Earl R. Goodrich

Earl R. Goodrich, of Marshall, passed away on February 2, 2023 after a short illness.  He was born on August 24, 1933 to Edward & Flossie (Wickes) Goodrich in Eckford township and lived in the Marshall area all his life.  He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Wendorf, in 1952 at the West Eckford church.  He worked for the railroad for many years, and additionally bought a storefront in downtown Marshall and created the “Bargainette” where anything and everything imaginable was stocked floor to ceiling, including electronics, housewares, and ice skates.  He became well known in town for selling and sharpening skates, and even this winter was still selling skates from his garage.  He was quite a jokester, and always had a better idea about how to do everything.  I’m sure almost everyone in town has heard his joke about being the dumbest kid in the sixth grade (of course he was the only kid in the sixth grade at Wright school).  He is fondly remembered by many of his nieces and nephews (48 in all) as the favorite, crazy, Uncle Earl.  He was a Ham Radio Operator and spent many years teaching others how to pass their license requirements and monitoring the weather/emergency network before cell towers or multi-media came into being.  He was also a Scout Leader when Earl II was in high school and enjoyed camping and teaching many young men how to be responsible for themselves.  He came from a large family, including 9 full siblings and 5 half siblings, all of whom preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his wife Donna, and their son, Earl Goodrich II.  He is survived by his daughters, Denise (Werner) Haschke, Rhonda (Michael) Allen, and Cynthia Newsome, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Services will be held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023 and 10:00-11:00am on Thursday, February 9, 2023 with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am, Jacob Washburn officiating. A graveside service and interment will follow at Lyon Lake Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to CCAIS, Merry Mile fund, envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.