John GOODMAN

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth MELLOW. Elizabeth was born in Cornwall, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• MN Death Cert Checked: Y
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 1933-MN-013180
• Occupation: Miner, iron mines

Notes:

Came to this country in 1913 from Cornwall, England.

Registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, in Biwabik. At that time he was married and was a miner for the Holland Mining Co. at the Holland mine. He is described as of medium height, slender build, blue eyes and light brown hair. He is still a citizen of England.

At the time of the 1930 census, Fred and his family were living on Birch Avenue, Kinney Village, Great Scott Township, St. Louis County, Minnesota.

He died from chronic pyelitis, a kidney and/or urinary tract infection.

Birth:
location according to his draft registration and his death certificate; birth date is 15 Aug 1888 on his death certificate

Frederick married Jennie Mathilda ORFALD on 9 Dec 1916 in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Jennie (daughter of Johannes (John) Berntson ORFALD and Marie Othelie Martinusdatter BYE) was born on 3 Sep 1899 in Minnesota; died on 8 Nov 1984 in Aurora, St. Louis County, Minnesota; was buried on 12 Nov 1984 in Lakeside Cemetery, Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1917-29114

Notes:

Didn’t have a first name on her birth certificate.

Listed as Marie Peterka, of Lewiston, Idaho, in her mother’s obituary.

Marie E. Peterka of Orofino passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino, surrounded by her five daughters.

Marie was born in Biwabik, Minn., June 11, 1917, the oldest child of Fred and Jennie Goodman.

She married Joe Peterka May 30, 1936. The family moved to California in 1942 and then to Orofino in 1946, where they lived for 15 years before moving to Lewiston in 1961. Marie was preceded in death by her husband Joe Peterka in 1974 and in 1992 she moved to Kennewick, where she lived until 2004 before moving back to Orofino.

She devoted her life to caring for her family. She enjoyed laughing and talking over coffee with friends and family and playing cards with her grandchildren.

Her survivors include five daughters: Marjorie Gibson-Swineheart, Judy and Dale Daniels, Becky and Larry Beck, Barbara and Garry Newbry and Marie and David Highfield; 15 grandchildren: Brett Gibson, Greg Gibson, and Cameron Gibson, Jeff Daniels, Danny Daniels, Joni Tiffany and Joe Daniels, Bill Beck, John Beck, and Tim Beck, Rebekah Jo Newbry, Brent Newbry, Brady Newbry, Sandon Ross and Sarah MacInnes; 28 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Robert Goodman and Bill Goodman; sister: Leah Cartwright.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: John Goodman and Lawrence Goodman; sister: Gladys Himango; and a great-grandson, Justin Daniels.

She was laid to rest at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Lewiston.

Marie married Martin Joseph (Joe) PETERKA on 30 May 1936 in Aitkin County, Minnesota. Martin was born on 28 Sep 1914 in St. Louis County, Minnesota; died on 23 Apr 1974 in Idaho; was buried in Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens, Lewiston, Nez Perce County, Idaho. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1918-29662
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 2002-MN-013043

Notes:

Listed as Gladyce Himango of Butte, Montana, in her mother’s obituary.

GLADYS LOUISE HIMANGO
Birth Date: October 30, 1918
Birth City: BIWABIK
Birth State: MINNESOTA
Death Date: April 15, 2002
Death Place: COOK, SAINT LOUIS
State File Number: 2002-MN-013043
Mother's Maiden Name: ORFALD

She did not have an obit in the Duluth newspapers.

In her brother Robert George’s obit, she is referred to as “Bunty.”

Mesabi Daily News (Virginia, MN) - April 16, 2002
Deceased Name: Gladys L. Himango
SERVICES: Memorial service 11 a.m. Saturday at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, with the Rev. David Solberg of Calvary Lutheran Church of Orr officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. Honorary bearers will be grandsons, Don Hoffman, Mike Odella and John Odella. Inurnment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik.

Gladys L. Himango, 83, of Gheen died Monday, April 15, 2002, at the Cook Nursing Home.

She was born Oct. 30, 1918, in Biwabik to Fred and Jennie (Orfald) Goodman. She grew up in Biwabik, where she graduated from high school. She married John A. Himango on March 5, 1940, in Biwabik, where they then made their home. They later lived in Idaho, Montana and Minnesota, to where her husband found employment. In 1953, they moved to Gheen, where they purchased the Lost Week Inn Cafe and Bar. They operated it until their retirement in 1972, then moved to Butte, Mont. Over the years Gladys had also worked as a store clerk and cared for elderly clients in their homes. She enjoyed vacationing and traveling and always was the first one in the car. After a long illness, she moved back to Gheen in 1999.

She is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Gilbert) Odella of Gheen and Janice Hoffman of Butte, Mont.; two brothers, Robert (Joyce) Goodman of Biwabik and Bill (Shirley) Goodman of Bloomingdale, Ill.; two sisters, Leah Cartwright of Biwabik and Marie Peterka in Richland, Wash.; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John, on Jan. 1, 1979; a brother, Lawrence Goodman; a grandson, Tommy Hoffman; two twin great-grandsons, Danny and David Marsenich; and a great-great-grandson, Jeremy Ramariz.

Gladys married John Arnold HIMANGO on 5 Mar 1940 in Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota. John was born on 12 Nov 1915 in St. Louis County, Minnesota; died on 1 Jan 1979 in St. Louis County, Minnesota; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• MN Death Cert Checked: Y
• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1920-29644
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 1960-MN-016752

Notes:

A grandson of John and Marie’s shown in the 1930 census. His father was born in England. In the listing for his father and mother and family in the 1930 census, Lawrence has “AB” after his name meaning, presumably, that he was absent from his family in Kinney Village (and was living with, or at least visiting, his grandparents).

In the 1940 census, he was single and living at home with his mother and younger siblings. He was a laborer with a construction company.

He died instantly from a crushed chest caused by a collapsing scaffold. He fell 59 feet. The accident occurred at Erie Mine #2 in Aurora Hoyt Lakes.

Irene was the informant for his death certificate. Lawrence was a drill mechanic. The Goodmans lived at Box 413, Biwabik.

Lawrence was a veteran of World War II. His gravestone notes that he was a staff sergeant in the 3508 Base Unit of the Army Air Force. He was a member of the 351st Bombardment Group.

The following is an article by David Setnicker of Biwabik in a contribution to the hometownfocus.us website.

For Biwabik native Lawrence “Big Sonny” Goodman, a 24-year-old top turret gunner and one of those “courageous American lads,” this September 12, 1944 mission over Berlin would be his last as the 9-man crew of their B-17, Dinah Might, were struck by shrapnel from German anti-aircraft fire after successfully dropping their payload.

Riddled by flak and on fire, the plane was doomed but still controllable. The pilot, 2nd Lt. Lopert, and co-pilot 2nd Lt. Darwin Nichols of Pocatello, Idaho, ordered all of the crew to bail out while they struggled to keep the lumbering and burning bomber trim long enough for the crew to bail out over German territory. Six of the nine man crew dropped out the rear escape hatch; only five chutes caught air and drifted safely away from the burning B-17. One of the crew deployed his chute while still in the bomber. He jumped; the chute streamed…he plunged to his death.

Goodman’s top turret was located just behind the cockpit. When he heard “bailout!” he couldn’t get out; he was trapped, tangled up in a web of turret straps and cords as the flaming plane pitched and yawed, losing precious altitude. It was a race against time as Dinah Might was doomed; it would explode before hitting the ground. It was sheer, confused panic as the plane continued to lose trim and maneuverability. Co-pilot Nichols wasn’t going down with the doomed bomber as he forced himself out of the his cockpit seat towards the open bomb bay. 2nd Lt. Lopert already bailed out through the cockpit escape hatch. He thought he was the last to exit the plane when he peered through the smoke enshrouded cockpit and saw Goodman tangled and struggling unsuccessfully to free himself. Precious seconds ticked away as the bomber lost altitude as 2nd Lt. Nichols cut and freed Goodman from the webbed snare. Dinah Might was fatally earthbound as the last two airmen bailed out. The plane exploded moments later.

Freefalling from 10,000 feet must have provided but a brief silence and moment of eerie solitude for Goodman before noticing that his hair and boots were aflame as he tumbled earthbound.

Goodman’s youngest son John, a Biwabik resident, remembered his dad telling him and his older brother Rick about this rare life and death account.

“If he pulled the rip cord immediately he risked torching the parachute and certain death,” said John. “My dad decided to free fall and hope that the speed of fall and the thin air would extinguish the flames.”

Seconds clicked away with no good options. Gravity was winning and unfriendly Germans would surely meet him dead or alive whether he pulled the ripcord or not. But precious seconds were just what he needed as his hair and boots, practically burned off, began to smolder. Ripp…puff…jolt…a brief sudden ascent as the chute blossomed before slowly drifting earthbound into German uncertainty.

We can only imagine what went through the minds of Goodman and his crewmates. Survive the jump and then be beaten to death by German locals seeking revenge for the daily Allied bombings of der Vaterland? Or be captured by the German Army or worse yet, the SS? At least for that day Lady Luck was with him as Goodman, bootless with smoldering hair, and Lt. Nichols landed near a German Luftwaffe airstrip and were captured by a young German Cadet Schmidt at 11:45 a.m. on September 12. Both Americans were sent immediately to the processing camp (DULAG) in Berlin for interrogation and assignment to one of the hundreds of Stalags (POW camps).

As part of the Geneva Convention Rules of War (sounds like an oxymoron) POWs were only required to provide their name, rank and serial number. However, during the interrogation, Sergeant Goodman was strangely singled out from the other POWs. It was his name…GOODMAN.

The dialogue could have sounded like this, “Goodman…Sergeant Goodman! Goodman… is that not a Jewish name? You are Jewish, correct?” Jewish POW combatants were segregated and sent to a POW labor camp with the highest fatality rate of any Stalag.

Goodman’s persistent denial, insisting on his English ancestry, must have found a sympathetic ear amongst the SS interrogators as he was granted a conference with a representative of the IRC (International Red Cross). His tenacity bought him additional time as the IRC corroborated his English ancestry. He was then assigned, along with other POWs, to a “normal” Stalag Luft.

Prior to July, 1944 the Stalags were under the jurisdiction of the German Luftwaffe (Air Force) where there seemed to be an unwritten “honor and comradeship amongst flyers.” However, by the time Goodman and the crew of the Dinah Might were captured in September, honor and comradeship had long since disappeared. The dreaded SS took control of the Stalags immediately after the botched assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler in July, 1944 and numerous POW escape attempts (portrayed in movies “The Great Escape” and “Stalag 17.”)

For the most part, Germany upheld the protocol of the Geneva Convention allowing the IRC to report the status of flyers…dead or alive. Goodman’s surviving crew, with the exception of Lt. Nichols and the airman whose chute streamed, was reported as POW or KIA respectively. Parents and wives were informed of their loved one’s status.

All camp guards now came under the direct control of the SS. Before the SS takeover prisoners got one day of rest per week. With the SS in control, prisoners only got one rest day every three to four weeks. Freedom of movement was severely restricted and POWs were searched more frequently for prohibited items. Soon after the SS took control most of the regular German army guards were removed and sent to fight on the Russian front. As the Russian army got closer to the camps, the German guards decided to force the POWs, many malnourished, like Goodman, or injured, to walk west toward American or British forces. Between January and April 1945 over 80,000 POWs were forced to march westward across Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Germany in extreme winter conditions. This series of events has been called various names by the vets who survived: "The Great March West," "The Long March," "The Long Walk," "The Long Trek," "The Black March," "The Bread March," and "Death March Across Germany.” Most survivors just called it "The March."

John Goodman told me another rare “Daddy, what did you do in the war?” story.

“My dad told me that The March almost finished him. He lost about 50 pounds and was just a little over 100 pounds and losing strength daily. He recounted seeing POWs stumbling, falling, unable to stand and get back in line,” said John. “Their buddies or fellow comrades were jostled at gun point by the guards… forbidden to help the helpless. Moments later… just a gun shot.”

STAY ALIVE?? Keep Moving…Nicht helfen…Vorwaerts!

“Wherever they billeted along the way survival meant picking the crude cell locks at night and escaping long enough to forage amongst the pigs for the meager leftovers thrown by well-fed German guards. Not too many choices if my dad wanted to live,” said John as he recollected his father’s story.

The tide of war had turned and the remaining German Volkssturm (home guard) consisted of old men and boys 12 and older. They realized that the end of the war was near. Many felt it would be far better to surrender to the Americans than to the Russians.

On May 8, 1945, VE Day (Victory in Europe), the unconditional surrender of Germany, was celebrated joyously in the Allied countries. Germany was soundly defeated. Now it was time for all Allied soldiers and POWs like Lawrence Goodman of Biwabik to come home.
It must have been a joyous, tearful reunion for the Goodman family in 1945 and the surviving crew members of Dinah Might. Gone was the anguish, the waiting, the uncertainty. In whatever condition, Big Sonny was back… he was home and father to a new son, Rick Goodman, born while he was a POW.

For the family of Lt. Darwin Nichols of Pocatello, Idaho, the co-pilot of Dinah Might, the end of war proved to be bittersweet. Strangely, Lt. Nichols, unlike the rest of his crew, was never reported officially as POW. He was listed as MIA (Missing In Action). Here is where the historical paths of an honorably discharged Goodman, and MIA Lt. Darwin Nichols, would eventually merge to become part of an unforeseen WWII tribunal in 1946.

By this time, you, the reader, may be asking yourself, “Dave, how did you get all of this war story stuff?” The answer: Where all stories start in Biwabik…at the bar! It all started a year ago at the Black Diamond.

I ran into my high school classmate Denny Imberg and his wife, Bonnie (Goodman) Imberg, and we visited about my upcoming European trip that Fall of 2013. It was the Normandy trip that eventually became the Hometown Focus June 6 D-Day story. Bonnie mentioned that her dad Lawrence was in the Army Air Corp and was a POW. At that point it was a good story but it didn’t grab me.

Fast forward to March, 2014, six months after my Normandy trip. It’s déjà vu at the Black Diamond with the same cast of characters. By now you should get the picture? I told Denny and Bonnie the Normandy D-Day story for HTF was a work in progress. They were mildly interested in the Normandy story when Bonnie unexpectedly said, “Dave, did you know that my father testified at a war crimes trial?”

An unplanned gulp on my MGD! I was totally surprised by Bonnie’s casual revelation.
Somewhat dumbfounded, I gathered myself enough to ask, “Nuremberg? He testified at Nuremberg?”

“I think so. You should to talk to John [her younger brother] about this. He has all of this trial stuff. Some guy from Germany called John a few years ago and wanted to find out the details of these American prisioners documented by the IRC. John was the only ‘Goodman’ in Biwabik. He sent John a bunch of other stuff about the trial. That’s as much as I know. John knows the rest.”

My mind raced ahead, already scripting the basis for a story…this story. I could hardly wait to impose myself on John and his wife LaVonne. Next day it was…Knock, knock…I was just in neighborhood, and was greeted with the usual Iron Range open invitation.

After telling John about the Black Diamond conversation with his sister, John said, “One afternoon about seven years ago I got this strange phone call from this German guy: ‘Hello, I am looking for a Lawrence Goodman,’ speaking in a very pronounced German accent.

“He wanted to know if I was the son of Lawrence Goodman who was a flyer in WWII. From IRC records he knew my dad was from Biwabik and I was the only Goodman in the phone book! His name is Horst Jeckel and he is a WWII researcher. Although his English was broken it was enough for us to communicate… he asked if I would like to see some war information about my dad that we never knew about. My dad had provided written testimony in a war crimes murder trial. He proceeded to tell me about this murder and my father’s connection to the murdered American officer (Lt. Nichols), the co-pilot of my dad’s bomber.”

The German researcher asked John if he would like to see the transcript of the trial, and told him that he had copies from the war archives, including John’s father’s hand written statement.

Questions and images cascaded through my brain as John said, “Dave, would you like to see this stuff that Horst Jeckel sent me?”

The manila envelope John shared with me revealed everything about the murder of Lt. Nichols and the trial. I thumbed through the time worn, sepia colored copies of the 1946 type written transcripts from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Office. The faded documents detailed everything, the circumstances leading to the murder of Nichols, the complete testimonies of the witnesses, including Lawrence Goodman’s deposition, as well as the statement of the accused SS Guard Karl Loesch. Everything was there…and I mean everything! Every word describing why and how Loesch and his fellow guard felt coerced to murder Lt. Nichols. How the tribunal “rules of war” consideration in “only following orders” lead to Loesch’s eventual 11-year prison conviction instead of death. The transcript and proceedings would have been the basis for a very lively ethics and morality discussion in law school or university philosophy class.

To truly understand the essence of the trial, one must study and weigh carefully the testimony of Karl Loesch, the accused (see Figure 1). It evokes many images and questions. Questions about the other Germans involved but not arrested nor charged, as far as I know. Does “just following orders” during times of war have a special legal and war time consideration?

With the end of WWII, Europe and Asia were dealing with utter devastation, the carnage, emptiness and the hollowness of bombed out buildings, and refugees returning to nothing. There were no hidden metaphors amidst the rubble, the Shoah and German lie of “Arbeit Macht Frei,” tens of millions dead. Images were grim, constant reminders of man’s inhumanity to man as we repeatedly saw newsreels in our local show houses and, later, in the comfort of our living rooms. It was now the time of TV when Walter Cronkhite, Eric Sevareid and others went from audio to visual. Big Sonny was now back home in Biwabik with his wife Irene and their new son, Fredrick Lawrence Goodman (Rick Goodman) born during his POW captivity. But for a grieving Emily Bryson of Pocatello, Idaho, mother of Lt. Nichols, there was no joy on VE Day. Her thoughts? Where is my son? What happened to my son Darwin? A determined Emily Bryson wanted to know more from the U.S. War Department about her son. Too many questions remain unanswered.

Communication dated January 3, 1946, from the Army Service Forces, Office of the Quartermaster General:

“Dear Mrs. Bryson:

The feelings which prompted your communication are most understandable and I full realize your desire for additional details regarding your son. The following is an eyewitness account submitted to the War Department by Sergeant Lawrence F. Goodman:

‘Lieutenant Nichols and I were taken to the Air Base in Berlin, and from there we were on our way to Wetzlar, Germany when Lieutenant Nichols escaped. I don’t know the name of the town, it was a little water stop, surrounded by thick forests and rather hilly! He was dressed in ODs and an OD sleeveless sweater, no hat and a pair of army low cut shoes. He didn’t have any wings, no bars, no dog tags, no means of identification. He escaped through the latrine window of the train. That was about the 15th of September, 1944. This is the last that I saw of Lieutenant Darwin Nichols.’

If you so desire, you may communicate with Sergeant Goodman in care of his wife, Mrs. Irene Goodman, whose address is Box 273, Biwabik, Minnesota.”

On May 2, 1945 the War Department followed up with Sgt. Goodman as it sought to determine the status or find the remains of Lt. Nichols.

In March, 1946, Heinrich Gimpel, a Gestapo guard at the Giessen prison, testified that:

“I knew Lt. Nichols for a period of seven months while he was held in the Gestapo prison in Giessen. When he was removed from prison, he gave me a note with his name and identification numbers. I was called to identify the body at the cemetery before it was buried.” The note, signed by Lt. Darwin Nichols, asked that consideration be given for the kind treatment by the guard, Heinrich Gimpel, while he was incarcerated in the jail.
From the time that Dinah Might was shot down near Berlin, the status of Lt. Nichols was always MIA. Why? Perhaps he didn’t have any identification as stated by Goodman’s deposition and/or he refused to tell the SS his name, rank and serial number. We’ll never know the answer to this question.

His mother continued to wait for further communication from the War Department. All the while rumors about the murder(s) of American officers were being investigated and in the process of being confirmed. Unbeknownst to Emily Bryson, there was confirmation and evidence for a trial was being prepared.

Finally, on July 25, 1946, Mrs. Emily Bryson received the dreaded, yet confirming news from the War Department:

“I sympathize with you in your just desire for further information, and am very sorry that no further messages from overseas have been received. A message submitted by our overseas authorities shows that a trial is being prepared regarding certain evidence indicating that a person believed to be Darwin R. Nichols may have been shot near Giessen, Germany on or about March 27, 1945. [Author’s note: The SS prison at Giessen was liberated by American troops on March 28, 1945.]

“Your [Mrs. Nichol’s] comments relative to the absence of a mailing address for Lt. Nichols after he was captured by the Germans have been noted with full appreciation. The records disclose that no official message was submitted by the German Government through the International Red Cross that he was a prisioner of war of that Government and available evidence indicates that he was never assigned to a particular prison camp but escaped while en-route to Wetzlar, Germany and was never seen again. His whereabouts* and activities from the time of his escape until date of his possibly having been shot in Giessen are not known.”

[*Author’s note: Evidence after trial indicated that for seven months the Gestapo guard Heinrich Gimpel was allowed to take Nichols outside the prison as part of some sort of work detail, thus, providing credibility for Nichol’s statement about Gimpel’s kindness, an unwritten bond of humanity in a world torn by war.]

The end of WWII did not bring a quick closure to what really happened to Emily Nichols-Bryon’s son, Darwin. Please read her original correspondence to our War Department (see Figure 2). To me the tone and emotion of her letters show her perseverance, frustration with her government in pursuit of desired answers, language wrapped in an almost stoic pioneer hardness from a bygone era. Do her letters evoke universal but wordless feelings for all mothers, fathers, wives and husbands who have lost loved ones?

Closure on all fronts. Time to move on. Big Sonny and Irene, two of the Greatest Generation, added to their family with the births of Bonnie and John. The family would settle into a productive post-war life as he worked for Boeing in Wichita, Kansas and Spokane, WA. Sonny quickly found employment as a drill mechanic working at Erie Mining. Irene, the daughter of Reverence Cartwright, a pillar of the religious community in Biwabik, was the dutiful wife and homemaker for the three children.

I remember this era, the post war times of innocence, the 50s and early 60s. It was the era of “Leave It To Beaver” and “Father Knows Best” where TV episodes always ended with some kind of morality message, hugs and a consoling smile.

But on December 22, 1960, there were no smiles…only tears and gasps of disbelief as the news rippled through the basketball crowd and student body at Biwabik High School. Big Sonny was killed in an industrial accident at Erie. I can still recollect the hush and the muted whispers of this tragedy to this day. The emotion was compounded as my dad John Setnicker returned from his afternoon shift visibly shaken by the tragedy. He was the pit foreman and first upon this tragic scene. I remember it…all of it…like it was yesterday. And now, looking back 54 years, writing this WWII story of Big Sonny, it seems it wasn’t supposed to end this way…not after everything he went through.

November 11, 2014 is Veteran’s Day. This true story wove the memories of youth revisited, of men, women and their families going to war, daily angst about Western Union telegrams, the question of whose side is God on, terror, death, sorrow, joy, happiness and hope…there are just not enough words for this period of history. The resolute silence of each returning vet became a personal repository of the indescribable.

We honor their service; their silence.

“Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent." - Ludwig Wittgenstein

Author’s note: I want to thank the Goodman family for allowing me to tell Lawrence’s compelling WWII story.

Lawrence married Irene Kate CARTWRIGHT on 21 Sep 1942 in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Irene (daughter of Arthur CARTWRIGHT and Kate Irene NICHOLLS) was born on 5 Jun 1922 in Cass County, Minnesota; died on 9 Jan 2021 in Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1922-29955
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 2010-MN-009023

Notes:

Listed as Robert G. of Biwabik in his mother’s obituary.

Robert George "Sonny" Goodman, 87 of Biwabik died Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at St. Raphael's Health and Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth.

He was born May 24, 1922, in Biwabik to Fredrick and Jennie (Orfald) Goodman. He graduated from Biwabik High School in 1941. In 1942, Robert enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He married Joyce Lein on January 18, 1947, in Biwabik at the Community United Church of Christ. Robert worked at Erie Mining Company until his retirement in the early 1980s. He was a member of the Peterson-Lofquist-Bronczyk American Legion and was also a member of the Community United Church of Christ. Robert enjoyed fishing, reading, especially the newspaper, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Vernie "Joyce" Goodman of Biwabik; children, Sandy (Joe) Plattner of North Saint Paul, Kathy (Dennis) Grippe of Biwabik, Jim (Patty Davis) Goodman of Lindstrom, Minn., Kraig (Mona) Goodman of Blaine, Minn., Alaine Fricano and Cheryl (George) Fazekas of Richfield; grandchildren, Lisa Hengen, Theresa (Scott) Hodgman, Jennah (Mike) Hawes, and Rosie, Grace and George Goodman; great-grandchildren, Brett and Shane Swanson, Adam and Jessie Hodgman, and Heather and Adam Hengen; brother, William (Shirley) Goodman; sister, Leah Cartwright; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marie Peterka and Gladys "Bunty" Himango; brothers, Lawrence and Johnny in infancy.

Memorial service 1 p.m. Friday at Community United Church of Christ with the Rev. Rebecca LeMenager officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment with military honors accorded by the Gilbert VFW Post will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home, Gilbert.

Birth:
Biwabik

Died:
St. Raphael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center

Robert married Vernie Joyce LEIN on 18 Jan 1947 in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Vernie was born on 7 Apr 1926 in Roseau County, Minnesota; died on 12 Nov 2015 in Ramsey County, Minnesota; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• MN Death Cert Checked: Y
• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1924-28129
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 1925-MN-013979

Notes:

Not listed in the 1930 census.

He died of pneumonia.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: DC-73259

Notes:

Listed as William D. of Chicago in his mother’s obituary.

He and Shirley lived in Bloomingdale, Illinois, in the 1990s.

William D. Goodman, Veteran of WW II, formerly of Bloomingdale; beloved husband of Shirley, nee Bergren, for 63 years; devoted father of Cynthia (Dennis) Gray and the late Christina Jacobsen; dear brother of Leah Cartwright; dear grandfather of Matthew (Criselda), Andrew (Jennifer) Tarnoff and the late Michael Jacobsen; great grandfather of Zoe, Noah, Katelyn and Hannah. Funeral Thursday 10 a.m. at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St. Roselle, 60172, (3/4 mile west of Bloomingdale/Roselle Rd.) Chapel Service 11 a.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Children Shiner Hospital appreciated. Visitation Wednesday 3 to 9 p.m.

William married S.M. BERGREN [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1927-26156

Notes:

Listed as Leah J. Cartwright of Biwabik in her mother’s obituary.

Leah Jane Cartwright, 86, of Cheyenne, Wyo., formerly of Biwabik, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, at her residence.

She was born Feb. 4, 1927, in Biwabik to Fred and Jennie (Orfald) Goodman. Leah was a graduate of Biwabik High School and later married William Cartwright Dec. 4, 1947, in Biwabik.

Leah spent most of her life in Biwabik where she was an active member of the Community United Church of Christ. There she taught Sunday school, was a member of the choir and served as secretary/treasurer for many years. She was also a member of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include her daughters, Connie Wuotila of Wyoming, Minn., and Beverly (Chris) Cardel of Cheyenne, Wyo.; grandchildren, Eric (Vicki), Mark (Deanna), Ryan (Karen), Kyle and Kristin (Stevie); nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; brothers, Lawrence, Robert and Bill; sisters, Marie and Gladys; son-in-law, Barry Wuotila.

Memorial service 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2013, at Community United Church of Christ in Biwabik with the Rev. Rodney Slessor officiating. Friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik.

Leah married William Henry CARTWRIGHT on 4 Dec 1947 in Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota. William (son of Arthur CARTWRIGHT and Kate Irene NICHOLLS) was born on 30 Sep 1927 in Itasca County, Minnesota; died on 31 Jul 1991 in St. Louis County, Minnesota; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Marjorie (Margie) Ann Peterka Swineheart passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 26, 2009; she was born Sept. 27, 1936, at Aitkin, Minn., the first child of Martin and Marie Peterka. The family later moved to California; then when Margie was 10 years old they moved to Idaho. She graduated from Orofino High School in 1954.

She married Carl Gibson in 1957 and moved to Columbus, Ohio. From this marriage she had three sons. The marriage later ended in divorce.

In 1974, Marjorie returned to Lewiston and raised her children. In 1977, she began a career as a homemaker (caregiver for the elderly) for the state of Idaho and continued the career until 1990. She later moved to Orofino and married Herb Swineheart in 2002.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Swineheart, and her parents, Martin and Marie Peterka.

Margie is survived by her three sons, Brett and Kathy Gibson of Lewiston, Greg and LeAnna Gibson of Waverly, Ohio, and Cameron Gibson of Gresham, Ore.; five grandchildren, Jennifer Gibson, Summer Gibson, Jamie Hannah Gibson, Casey Gibson and Clay McCartney; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy and Dale Daniels of Kennewick, Becky and Larry Beck of Orofino, Barbara and Garry Newbry of Cheney, Wash., and David Highfield of New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She loved Orofino and all of her friends, classmates and the entire congregation at the Christian Covenant House where she was a devoted member.

Margie loved polka music and enjoyed dancing the polka in her younger days. She loved to laugh, talk and have fun.

She was particularly proud of her three sons; they were the apple of her eye. If Margie was about anything, she was about family, and she'll forever be in our hearts, never forgotten. Margie, we will miss you.

The celebration of life for Margie Swineheart will be conducted at noon Saturday at the Covenant House Christian Center, 12517 Hartford Ave., Orofino, with the Rev. Tristan Harvey officiating. She will be laid to rest at Wells Bench Cemetery. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel of Orofino is handling arrangements.

Buried:
as Marjorie A Peterka Gibson-Swineheart

Marjorie married Carl GIBSON on 31 Aug 1956 in Clearwater County, Idaho, and was divorced. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Marjorie married Herbert Leroy SWINEHEART in 2002. Herbert was born on 13 May 1916 in Idaho County, Idaho; died on 26 Dec 2005 in Orofino, Clearwater County, Idaho. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rebecca Jean Beck passed away on May 19, 2021 with family members by her side.

“Becky” was born on March 19, 1942 in a small farmhouse on Town Line Road, near Eveleth, Minnesota. She was born the third of five girls to Martin Joseph and Marie Elizabeth Peterka. The family moved to California in 1943, and in 1946 relocated to Orofino, Idaho.

As a girl of 14 she started working in her parents’ business, The Orofino Cafe. Becky attended Orofino Elementary, Junior High, played the flute in the school band and graduated from Orofino High School in May of 1959. She married Larry Beck a month later, in June of the same year. They built a home on Riverside that they have lived in for over 50 years.

During this time, she and Larry were foster parents to local children, who continue to contact the family often.

She worked at Hayes Grocery Store as a grocery checker on Riverside in Orofino then went on to work at Idaho 1st National / West One Bank and retired from West One / US Bank. She later owned “Becky’s Tax Service’’, for over 20 years, with her friend Nancy Montambo.

In most any situation, Becky was an “in charge” person, and had a ready solution for anything. Becky was supportive of most of her boys’ activities, such as track, football, swimming, dirt bikes, but not so much with snowmobiles and bull riding!

Becky endured many health problems, including three bouts of cancer, and other major surgeries throughout her life.

Her dogs, Libby and Buffy were very important to her. When eating out, she always remembered to bring plenty home for them.

Becky was very generous and thoughtful with gift-giving, to her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Marjorie Gibson, mother and father in-law, Berniece and Bill Beck, sisters-in-law, Nancy Rainville, and Bev Beck, brother-in-law, Ron Beck and nephew, Teddy Rainville.

She is survived by her husband Larry of 61 years, sons, Billy, (Cindy) of Lenore, John, (Sue), of Orofino, and Tim of Wenatchee, Washington.

Grandchildren are Cody Beck, (Sammi), of Lenore, Travis Beck, (Hannah) of Lewiston, Shani Cobbs (Zach) of Lenore, Michael Gray, (Josey) of Lewiston, Zach Beck, of Juneau, Alaska, who spent a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa Beck throughout the years, and Cole and Connor Beck, of Wenatchee Washington.

Great-Grandchildren include Ally Wages, Mick Zenner, Mylie Zenner, Sofie Beck, Benton Beck, baby boy Beck expected in September, Landen Cobbs, Tripp Cobbs, Kinzlee Cobbs, Jace Gray and Tyler Gray.

Three sisters also survive, Judy Daniels (Dale), in Kennewick, WA. Barbara Newbry,(Garry) in Cheney, WA. who named their oldest daughter, Becky Jo after her sister Becky, and Marie Highfield (David) in New Westminster, British Columbia.

Nieces and nephews are, Jeff Daniels, Danny Daniels, Joni Tiffany, Joe Daniels, and Brett Gibson, Greg Gibson, Cameron Gibson, Becky Jo Heath, Brent Newbry, Brady Newbry, Sandon Ross, Sarah MacInnes, Bob Whitney, Renae Keeler, Jaime Corneal and Kim Engle.

Brother and sisters-in law, Ted Rainville, Chris Beck and Brenda Baune.

Rebecca married L.D. BECK [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Death Certificate: 2012-MN-006220

Notes:

Patricia "Patty" G. Odella, 71, Gheen, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 26, 2012.

She was born Patricia Gail Himango on March 1, 1940, at Biwabik, the daughter of John and Gladys (Goodman) Himango. She grew up and lived in several states, including Butte, Montana where her father worked in the mines and Orofino, Idaho, where he was a police officer. She was united in marriage to Gilbert Odella on January 30, 1960, in Biwabik. Patty completed her License Practical Nurse's training at the former St. Mary's School of Nursing in Duluth, and was employed at the Cook Hospital and Clinic, mostly working with Dr. Bartholdt at the time. She lived in Butte, Montana, and later returned to the area. She and Gilbert took over the longtime family owned bar-restaurant business in Gheen, and ran the well known "Patty's Lost Week-Inn" for a number of years.

Patty is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gilbert; two sons, Mike (Rebecca) and John (Rebecca); a daughter, Kelly Odella; a sister Janice Hoffman; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Burial in Willow Valley Township Cemetery.

Birth:
Biwabik

Buried:
cremated

Patricia married Gilbert William ODELLA on 30 Jan 1960 in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Gilbert was born on 24 Dec 1937 in St. Louis County, Minnesota; died on 24 Mar 2014 in St. Louis County, Minnesota; was buried in Willow Valley Cemetery, Cook, St. Louis County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She lived in Butte, Montana, at the time of her mother’s death.

Janice Lee Hoffman passed away on June 11, 2021, in Butte. Janice was born on May 02, 1941, in Biwabik, Minnesota, the daughter of John A. and Gladys L. (Goodman) Himango.
 
Mom worked hard her whole life and was an amazing example of what a strong, but gentle, loving, caring woman is, especially when she started a new chapter in her life. In the early 1970’s, she moved to Butte from Minnesota, with her three teenage children. That, in itself, was a challenge. She not only did it, she rocked it! She was happiest when with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She worked many jobs throughout her years; from bar owner to cocktail waitress, security guard, and clerk at Woolworth’s. She spent many years cleaning private homes. The families she worked for always considered her as one of the family. She made many friends everywhere she went. Janice dedicated her life to taking care of her mother until she passed. She always did for others. We were thrilled when she finally found happiness with a longtime friend, Dennis Rinne. They filled the short time they had together with many fun times and memories.  Family was her greatest treasure and to say there is an empty space in our lives where she was would be an understatement, but she made sure we have loving, happy, memories that fill the void in our hearts. 
 
We were so thankful and blessed to be standing by Mom’s side when she left to join all of those waiting to greet her at Heaven’s gate. She is lovingly reunited with loved ones; husbands, Dennis Rinne and Don Hoffman; parents, John “Arnold” and Gladys “Bunny” Himango; loving sister and best friend, Patti (Gilbert) Odella; baby, Tommy Hoffman; grandbabies, Daniel and David; and great-grandbaby, Jeremy Marsenich.

She was also preceded in death by her sons-in-law, Jerry Riordan and Mark Marsenich; and daughter-in-law, Susan Hoffman, and members of the Hoffman family in Minnesota.

She is survived by her daughters, Dorie Riordan, Charlene (Tim) McGinley: son, Don Hoffman, all of Butte; stepchildren, Michele (Doreen) Rinne of Minnesota, Mike (Mishiyo) Seko of Japan, Mark (Suzzette) Rinne of Minnesota, Pam Swan of Butte, Doris Pelly of Germany, Don Pelly of Billings, and George and Pat Pelly of Butte. She was a second mom to her niece, Kelly Odella of Arkansas; and nephews, Mike (Rebecca) Odella and John (Becky) Odella, of Minnesota. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Jennifer Marsenich, Mike (Tabitha) Marsenich, of Butte, Amanda (Chris) McGinley, Joe (Laci) Barick, of Ramsey, Don (Chelsea) Hoffman of Melrose, Alesha Hoffman, Jesse (Marissa) Hoffman, of Butte, Angela (Eric) Herbst of Helena, and Charle Notbohm of Nevada; and her many great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren   

Janice married Donald Frank HOFFMAN on 11 May 1957 in St. Louis County, Minnesota, and was divorced on 13 Apr 1973 in St. Louis County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Dennis RINNE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Death Certificate: 2010-MN-028880

Notes:

Alaine Marie (Goodman) Fricano, 48, of Minneapolis died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2010, {sic} at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Alaine was born July 22, 1962, to Robert and Vernie "Joyce" (Lein) Goodman in Eveleth. She grew up and graduated from Biwabik High School in 1980. She then took photography classes and later attended Fairview Deaconess School of Nursing to become a registered nurse. She worked in various nursing positions until January 2010, when she was unable to continue due to health problems. She especially enjoyed working on appeals with insurance companies for clients.

Alaine was a very generous and caring person. She was a tremendous help to her parents as her father became more incapacitated. Her home was open to anyone who needed a place to stay. She enjoyed sitting on her deck, reading, and spending time with friends talking. She is survived by her mother, Vernie "Joyce" Goodman; sisters and brothers, Sandy (Joe) Plattner, Kathy (Dennis) Grippe, Jim (Patty Davis) Goodman, Kraig (Mona) Goodman and Cheryl (George) Fazekas; nieces, Lisa Hengen and family, Theresa (Scott) Hodgman and family, Jennah (Mike) Hawes, Rosie and Grace Goodman; nephew, George Goodman; ex-husband, Joe Fricano and mother-in-law Joanne; special friend Lynn Haller; childhood and forever friend, Rita Trast; and her four beloved cats.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Goodman, on March 24, 2010; paternal grandparents, Fred and Jennie Goodman; and maternal grandparents, Albert and Minnie Lein.

A special thank you is given to all the nursing staff and doctors who cared for Alaine in her final days at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Funeral 1 p.m. Friday at the United Church of Christ in Biwabik, with the Rev. Jeffrey Jones officiating. 

Birth:
Eveleth

Died:
Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis (obit has the wrong date)

Alaine married A.J. FRICANO [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Lawrence L JACOBSEN. Lawrence was buried in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Emhurst, DuPage County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]