Albert’s Obituary Albert Goodwin, age 79, of Detroit Lakes, MN, died on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at his residence in Detroit Lakes, MN, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Albert “Al” James Goodwin Jr. was born in Mahnomen, MN, on April 9, 1939, on an Easter Sunday, which is how he earned his nickname “Bunny”. He was the son of Albert James Goodwin Sr. and Verle (Oppegard) Goodwin.
Al grew up in and around Mahnomen. As the oldest son, he was very responsible early on in life and honed his hunting and fishing skills to help his family. He graduated from Mahnomen High School and earned his degree in accounting.
Al began his career with Sperry Univac as a cost accountant, followed by working for the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. On March 25, 1994, Al was united in marriage to Ramona Gjesvold Martin and they made their home in Waubun, MN. Al was also an entrepreneur of several businesses throughout the years.
He was the lead project manager of Community Development for Leech Lake Reservation, Grand Portage Reservation, White Earth Reservation and MMCDC, allowing him to enjoy and befriend hundreds of people throughout the state of Minnesota. Al retired in 2008 to enjoy full time golfing, fishing and a “little bit” of hunting. Ramona and Al lived in Waubun until recently moving to Detroit Lakes.
They also enjoyed traveling to their winter home in Texas. Al was an avid golfer, fisherman, loved country music, and had a great voice. He teed up thousands of golf balls, put many worms on hooks and adorned many walls with deer antlers over his lifetime.
In his spare time, Al loved cribbage, horseshoes, and spending time with his family & friends. He was a bit of a prankster! Al had a wicked sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.
He cherished his family and could always be counted on to be there for them all. Al’s smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Ramona; son, Jay Goodwin (Jenny Godtland); daughters: Sonja Goodwin Upton (John), Tammy Goodwin and Gina Goodwin Poppy (Shane); step-son, Steve Martin (Nan); grandchildren: Ashley Tanner, Devan Barclay, Bailey Goodwin, Kane Vorderbruggen (Alexandra), Nolan Vorderbruggen (Margo), Spencer Goodwin, Justin Martin (Nicole), and Derek Martin; great grandchildren: Taylor Nicklay and Sebastian, Emma, Annalayah, Sydney & Olyvia Martin; ex-wife, Vivian Bray; siblings: Marlys “Babe” Goodwin Bjergo, Bruce Goodwin (Wanda), Nancy Goodwin Pemberton, David Goodwin (Shelly) and Mark Goodwin (Noreen); as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his brothers, Raymond and Jay Goodwin; sister, Mary Kay Goodwin; grandson, Jordan Goodwin; great- granddaughter, Gabriella Vorderbruggen; and stepson, Darin Martin. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday June 7, 2019 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.
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