Stella Marie Goodrich

STELLA MARIE GOODRICH, age 101, of Mankato (formerly of St. Clair) died Friday, June 11, at Primrose Retirement Community in Mankato.

Stella was born on December 3, 1919, in Waseca County to Paul and Mabel (Prechel) Grams. She was baptized on December 18, 1919, in Waseca County and confirmed on March 25, 1934, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair. She attended country school #169 and graduated from 8th grade in 1933. On September 1, 1937, Stella was united in marriage to Lyle Goodrich at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair. Together they made their home on the farm in McPherson Township in Blue Earth County while raising two children, Merlin (1943) and Linda (1952). Stella and Lyle shared 68 years of marriage before Lyle passed away on May 9, 2006.

Stella was a wonderful homemaker. She not only made sure there was always delicious food on the table but helped on the farm alongside Lyle when needed. She enjoyed gardening, word searches, playing cards, Mexican Dominos, Bingo, and Solitaire. Stella was a faithful member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair where she was a member and former secretary, treasurer, and president of the Ladies Aid. She and Lyle enjoyed 17 winters in Apache Junction, AZ.

Survived by her two children: Merlin (Elmay) Goodrich of Prunedale, CA, and Linda (Larry) Gerber of Mankato; grandchildren: Jon Goodrich (Brad Boogren) of Cottage Grove and Joyce Goodrich of Prunedale, CA; great-grandson, Andrew Caya of Cottonwood; and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Bernard Grams; foster brother, William Hesse; and grandson, James Goodrich.

The family would like to give particular thanks to Primrose Retirement Community, where Stella made her home since December 2014. We are very grateful for the wonderful staff that cared for Stella throughout her time there and also cared so well for both her and her family in her final days. We are thankful that Stella was able to pass away so peacefully in her own home surrounded by family and friends.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 6:00 PM on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the Janesville Chapel of Dennis Funeral & Cremation Service. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair with Rev. Jeff Enderle officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.