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  Steven Donald Gooderum, also known as Sargeant “Goody”, passed away peacefully in his home on April 11, 2024.  He was born October 1, 1950, in Redwood Falls, MN, the third of eight children. 

   Steve was a paratrooper in Vietnam from December 1968 until July 1971. He and his brother Dick enlisted in the armed forces at the same time, and for the same duration. Steve’s service to his beloved country developed his natural leadership skills, was a vital part of his identity, and became a source of valuable lifelong friendships.  

   After his decorated military service, Steve completed a 35-year career as a Butcher for Cub Foods in the Twin Cities area. In his free time, Steve facilitated many adventures such as fishing and hunting in the wilds of Canada with friends and family, beach and golf vacations, and service on the union board. His untiring ambition and artistic gifts enabled him to design and build two special houses and develop the wooded properties beautifully. Caring for his home was a hobby he enjoyed, while spending 15 retirement years at his self-built lake home near Longville, MN.

   Steve had a flair for entertaining family and friends. He enjoyed golfing, cooking, music, decorating his home, laughing, and spending time with the people he cared about. He was a gifted storyteller, which include the many wild adventures of his life as a soldier, hunter, outdoorsman, and type “A” take care of business kind of guy’s life.

   Steve described himself as “a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ”. He spent many hours of his day thanking God for his retirement and praying for family and friends. He enjoyed listening to preacher Dr. Charles Stanley on TV. His faith in Jesus was lived out as he gave of himself, to his neighbors, often without being asked. He watched the sun come up over the lake each morning over coffee in the cozy light of his grandparents’ oil lamp, sometimes with friends, or a niece, sister, or brother. And he thanked God, celebrating each new day of life, in sickness, and in health.

   Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Elwood and Alice (Gruendemann) Gooderum; sister, Diane (Gooderum) Quist; and brother, Dean Gooderum.  

   Steve is survived by brothers, Dick (Barb) Gooderum, Bob Gooderum, Jack Gooderum, and Jeff Gooderum; sister, Debbie (Gooderum) Betcher; numerous nieces, nephews, and more than 50 great-nieces and nephews, to whom he was affectionately known as “Uncle Steve”. Steve was especially proud of nephews Lewis Rygh, Jordan Gooderum, and Jacob Gooderum, who served their country in the military.

   A service for Steven will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Military Funeral Honors Program, with the Memorial Rifle Squad performing TAPS and a rifle salute. Following the service friends and family are invited to Main Gate Bar & Grill for refreshments, stories, and renewed acquaintance.

   We, his dear family and friends, will not only remember him with deep affection, but look forward to the day when we are reunited in the Kingdom of God, to live forever in the light of Love.

   Steve’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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