Obituary of Leonard Merle Goodell

Leonard Merle Goodell, 91, of Grand Marais died Sunday, May 6, 2018 in the comforts of his home. Leonard was born March 25, 1927 in Mankato, Minn. to Harvey Goodell and Helen Brown. He graduated from Cloquet High School and then served as an electrician's mate in the Navy SeaBees for two years. He married Margaret Louise Merfeld on May 10, 1947. He worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone in Cloquet. He transferred to Grand Marais in 1957 and continued with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and Qwest for 30 years until his health forced him to retire. He was the 33rd Northwestern Bell Telephone employee to receive the Bell System Bronze Vail Award for saving the lives of two hunters whose truck had slipped into the Cascade River. Leonard spent his time in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapping, golfing, curling, snowmobiling, enjoying his boat (the "Maynard") on Lake Superior and the cabin at Greenwood Lake, and winters in Texas and Hawaii. He served on the local park board, and was a union steward and member of the Masonic Lodge for 50 years. He thoroughly enjoyed time spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren, friends in the community and solving the world's problems with his buddies at their favorite hangouts. Leonard is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lou, son Rick (Polly) Goodell, Clintonville, Wisconsin, daughters Karen (William) Tormondsen, Duluth, Minnesota, Susan Goodell, Grand Marais, grandsons Erik, Marc, Zeb and Lewis, and 5 great grandchildren, and brother Harlan (Shirley), Fort Pierce, Florida and several nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by parents Harvey and Helen Goodell. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to be sent to the Senior Center, VFW Post 413, and North Shore Home Care.