In Memory of Bruce R. Goodenow

Bruce R. Goodenow, age 92, of Spirit Lake, formerly of Battle Creek, Iowa passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018, in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 6, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Reverend Kevin J. Freese will officiate. A Masonic Service conducted by the Alpine Lodge #471 A.F. & A.M. will be held following the Memorial Service. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion, of Battle Creek, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 6, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church, of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek & Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Bruce Ray Goodenow, the son of Russell and Hazel (Manson) Goodenow, was born March 9, 1926, on the family farm southeast of Battle Creek, IA. Bruce received his education at Battle Creek High School graduating with the class of 1943. After graduation he farmed for a year before enlisting into the U.S. Navy serving during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, Bruce furthered his education by attending Morningside College for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa where he graduated with a Pre-Law degree.

On October 1, 1948, Bruce was united in marriage to Patricia Hollister in the St. John’s United Methodist Church of Mapleton, IA. The couple were blessed with four sons: Michael, Mark, Mason and Mitchell. The family made their home on the family farm in rural Battle Creek until 1964 when they moved to town. Bruce was engaged in farming but his true passion was raising cattle until the time of his retirement.

Bruce was an active member of his community. He was a past president of both the Ida County Farm Bureau and the Battle Creek CSD School Board. He served on the Horn Memorial Hospital Board, was a member of the Battle Creek Lions Club and was active in the Presbyterian church serving as a deacon, elder, trustee and various officer positions. Bruce was a member of the Battle Creek Masonic Lodge and the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, IA.

Bruce was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He enjoyed wintering in Arizona and playing cards with his friends; especially a competitive game of 500 with Keith, Colleen and Jim. Family was very important to Bruce. He relished the time spent at the family lake house on West Lake Okoboji. He especially enjoyed going boating with his grandchildren and taking them for ice cream. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory include his sons Michael “Mike” Goodenow of Orlando, FL, Mark Goodenow of Marshall, MN, Mason (Sheryl) Goodenow of Ida Grove, IA and Mitchell (Jennifer) Goodenow of Waukee, IA; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren: Stefani Goodenow, Kristin Goodenow, Maggie (Brian) Steinkamp and their daughter Avery Mae, Abigail Goodenow, Brenda (Terrance) Wood and their children Aidan and Clare, Jennifer (Greg) Vander Sluis and their children Cooper, Charlee and John, Matthew Welte, Kelsey Goodenow and Alex Goodenow; brother Don (Jean) Goodenow of Spirit Lake, IA; sister-in-law Bea Goodenow of Honolulu, HI; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Hazel Goodenow; wife Patricia Goodenow; granddaughter Lauren Goodenow; brother Beryl Goodenow. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks memorials be made to Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's research foundation in Bruce's name.