John E. Goodale

ROCK ISLAND - John E. Goodale, 79, of Rock Island, formerly of Galva, died at 12:14 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Unity Point Health - Trinity Rock Island.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 6 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva where military rites will be accorded by the Galva Fusiliers. Pastor Katie Gallagher will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the Galva Lions Club, Galva American Legion Post #45 or the Messiah Lutheran Church of Galva.

He was born August 5, 1945 in Galesburg, the son of Eddis and Eva (Fornander) Goodale. He married the love of his life, Susan A. “Sue” Anderson on October 24, 1965, in Galva and she preceded him in death on February 18, 2020. He is survived by a daughter, Sally (Jeremy) Rogers of Milan, five grandchildren, Timothy (Lisa) Anderson of Dawson, TX, Seth Anderson of Blooming Grove, TX, Lyndsay Snodgrass (and fiancé Blake Digman) of Corsicana, TX and Lauryn Rogers and Brexton Rogers, both of Milan, three great-grandchildren, Aimee and Luke Anderson and Nick Snodgrass, a brother, Eddis (Lisa) Goodale of Highland Park, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Amy Goodale Anderson and a sister, Helen Goodale. 

John’s mantra of serving the community started early from mowing lawns at an early age before he graduated from Galva High School in 1963. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1964-1967 while working at John Deere Planter Works for a few years. In 1970, he launched a 50+ year career in insurance sales with Metropolitan Life and then became a self-employed agent.  He liked to say he was semi-retired for the last 10-12 years.  He was an active member of the Messiah Lutheran Church until he moved to Rock Island, IL in 2020, but still keeping close ties with the church and his hometown from a distance.  John and Sue enjoyed country swing dancing for many years as members of the Boot Kickers Club out of Galesburg.  He was a member of the Galva American Legion Post #45 to further support his love of his Country. 

Close to his beloved heart was his 50+ year proud membership in the Galva Lions Club. John was very active and served in nearly every office, including President twice. He also served in the District 1H Cabinet of the Lions Club for almost 25 years, including holding every office except District Governor due to chronic hearing difficulties and work conflicts. The best years were when his wife, Sue, became an active member and they could participate together. The friendships John and Sue made through Lions were very near and dear to their hearts. John continued to participate in as much as he could until a few weeks before his passing. Serving his community was very important to him. 

His big warm smile was well-known, his positive outlook was admirable and his ability to joke and laugh about everything was pure joy. Even through his cancer journey, he rarely ever lost sight of the battle ahead and how he intended to “beat it”.  Above all, John’s love of his family and friends was his most endearing quality. With each generation, his love grew to new heights and will always be cherished by his family. And there was always room for new friends, witnessed most recently by his lovely Rock Island neighbors/neighborhood, who fondly watched over “Mr. John”.  Everyone that knew him knows he loved everything John Wayne and watching westerns and crime dramas like NCIS. He also enjoyed playing games, reading, playing computer games, doing word puzzles and spending time with his loved ones. 

While complications from his cancer led to his passing, his legacy of community service and love of family will live on in our hearts. 

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