Jerry Goodman

Mass of Christian burial for Jerry Goodman was held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon officiating. Nancy Carda was lector, Garrett and Cassidy Koenig were servers, and Dan, Katie, Mya and Zoe Koenig presented the gifts. Music was provided by the Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony’s Church choirs, accompanied by Roberta Witt, organist. Tony and Mary Ann Koenig were in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Zachary Williams, Nathan Williams, Sheldon Herr, Cole Goodman, Gene Sarniak, and Randall Lihs. Honorary casket bearers were all of Jerry’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Interment was in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Fairfax, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Lee Goodman was born on December 14, 1941, and grew up on the family farm west of Naper, NE. Jerry was one of eight children born to William and Dottie (Green) Goodman.

He graduated from Naper High School in 1960. He worked on the family farm until he was united in marriage to Janet Koenig on November 10, 1962. They lived in Naper and Witten and then made their forever home in Fairfax, SD, where they raised six children.

Jerry loved his family and his community, and he proved this by being on many boards such as Rural Water and Fairfax Township. He was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his morning ‘therapy’ (playing cards). He was always ready for a game of cards and a cup of coffee (or a root beer float).

Jerry enjoyed all of his family. Everyone knew they could call him at any time and he would drop everything and be there for them. He attended many activities supporting his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Jerry passed on April 23, 2023, at the Burke Community Hospital at the age of 81.

He is survived by his wife Janet; children: Jeannie (Derek) Williams, Julie (Rick) Walth, Jolene (LaRon) Herr, Jeanette (Qaisar) Manzoor, Jeffrey Goodman, and Jessica (Ben) Wilbur.; grandchildren, Zachary (Camie) Williams, Nathan (Jenna) Williams, Sabrina (Gene) Sarniak, Rylan Walth, Brandi (Randall) Lihs, Justin Walth, Kacen Walth, Alearah Walth, Ariah Walth, Sheldon Herr, Erika Herr, Alexa Herr, Gabe Manzoor, Cole Goodman, Ashley Goodman, and Dawson Wilbur; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Donna (Ron) Tompt; sisters-in-law Fern Goodman, JoAnn Heimes, and Bonnie Koenig; brothers-in-law Ronnie (Nila) Koenig and Randy Koenig; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law Edwin and Philomena Koenig; sisters Reba Martin, June Hovey, and Opal Chapin; brothers Roy, Billy, and Donnie, granddaughter Stephanie Walth; brothers- in-law Hank Martin, Howard Hovey, and Don Chapin; sisters-in-law Sara Goodman, Udona Goodman, and Letha Goodman.