Oran Goodell

Oran Everett Goodell was born on July 18, 1921, the son of Glen and Bessie Goodell. He was born in Dundee, MN and shortly after the family moved to build a farm in Lake Park, IA. He graduated from Excelsior High School in 1939. After graduation he went to Washington state to work in the shipyards and then moved on to California. He entered the army in 1944 during World War II and achieved the rank of Staff Sargent before being honorably discharged in 1946. On March 14, 1948 Oran was united in marriage to LaVonne Reiser in Sioux City, IA. They travelled throughout the Midwest while Oran worked as a welder until 1949 when he began working at Great Lakes pipeline in Alexandria. In 1966 Oran transitioned to teaching before retiring from the Detroit Lakes Vo Tech in 1985. After retirement, he and LaVonne toured the U.S. and international destinations, splitting time between Port Charlotte, FL and “the cabin” on Lake Miltona. A true optimist, in the words of Oran, “He had a good run!”

Oran died on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Clayton, Donny, and Jack; sister Olive; son Jim; and daughter-in-law Bobbi.  He is survived by his wife LaVonne; sons: Jerry (Sandy), Craig, Rick, and Keith; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Leon; and sisters Joyce, June, and Betty.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 5-8 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior at the church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.