Obituary for Gerald "Jerry" Peter Goodman

Gerald “Jerry” Peter Goodman, age 82, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side Monday afternoon, June 26, 2023. Jerry was born on May 12, 1941, the beloved second child of seven to his parents George A. and Dorothy J. (Trierweiler) Goodman. Jerry grew up and lived in Portland all his life surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors.

Jerry was a devoted family man, brilliant mechanic with a strong work ethic and an eternal love for farming. After graduating from St. Patrick’s High School in 1959, Jerry began his mechanical career on the assembly line at Oldsmobile, transitioning to Max Curtis Ford, Douglas Steel Fabricating and then retiring from the State of Michigan Motor Transport Division after 22 years. Early in his career, he served his country in the United States Army Reserve. After his retirement, Jerry enthusiastically went to work for many family members and friends as a farm hand planting, harvesting, and repairing equipment. Jerry’s passion for operating combines and tractors made him the most sought-after help in the area. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his grandkids teaching them German, traveling with his wife, playing cards with family and friends, and expanding his knowledge of farm equipment.

Jerry was an avid bowler, collector of hats and antique farm equipment. He was known to others as “Mr. Fix-it” due to his amazing ability to fix just about anything. He did not stop at just fixing things, his goal was to repair, improve and customize. These enhancements became known as “Jerry-specs”. He found great joy and satisfaction every time he could use his “Jerry-specs” to assist others. It didn’t matter how big or small the job, Jerry was always willing to help. He also felt it was important for people to understand how things operated and would always share his knowledge with those he helped. He also had an incredible memory, which no doubt contributed to his talent for fixing things. He would tell stories he remembered of old times, and sing funny songs to the grandkids that were sung to him as a child. Jerry will be remembered most for his kind and generous heart and how he would light up a room with his jokes.

Preceding Jerry in death are his parents; brother, Norman Goodman; mother and father-in-law, Norman and Edna Weber; in-laws, Arlene Weber, Jerry Fernholz, William Curns, Marvin Weber and Patrick Vashaw; and niece and nephews, Michelle Curns, Kevin Becker and Ronald Shinaver, Jr. Surviving are his devoted wife of 58 years, Jane Goodman; children, David Goodman, Linda (Paul) Connell, and Laurie (Mike) Piggott; grandchildren, Tyler, Makayla, Jacob and Grace and Rachael; siblings Joyce Curns, Carol (Ronald, Sr) Shinaver, Eugene (Letha) Goodman, Ronald (Jane) Goodman and Gladys Fernholz; in-laws, Joan Vashaw, Lee (Jane) Weber, Jerome Weber, Daniel (Joyce) Weber, and Janice (Jim) Bollman; and many special nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Heart-to-Heart Hospice and Good Vibes Adult Foster Care of Pewamo.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mike Alber at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Portland. The family will receive friends Friday evening, June 30, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.