Eugene Goedel

Geno Goedel, 77, Two Harbors, died Saturday March 7, 2015 at home surrounded with love by his devoted wife and children.

He was born October 11, 1937 to Otto and Lilly (Cleuver) Goedel in Wadena, MN.  He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Wadena High School, where he was a four sport athlete in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He was captain of the football and track teams and participated in two events at the state track meets.  He went to Moorhead State University from 1955-1959 and had a very distinguished collegiate career.   He lettered four years in football and was team co-captain, with Jim Keeler (who continued to be his lifelong friend, fellow teacher and coach in Two Harbors with him.) He was ALL National Inter Collegiate conference selection for three years and honorable mention Little All American.  He also earned three letters in basketball, and four in track, where he was team captain for two years. He was vice-president of student commission. His outstanding athletic and scholastic efforts were recognized when he was voted the Most Valuable Athlete at MSU for the 1958-1959 year and selected for “Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities.” That year he also held three MSU track records; 440 hurdles, 220 hurdles, and the high jump. In 1990 he was inducted into the Moorhead State University Hall of Fame.

He came to Two Harbors to teach and coach in the fall of 1959, and for the next 34 years he taught many levels of math and continued his multi-sport ways coaching track, football, basketball, and gymnastics.  He was head track coach for 28 years, assistant football coach for 16, assisted basketball for 11, and assistant gymnastics coach for 8 years. He coached athletes in 27 state meets.  A true class act, he spent his life mentoring, teaching, coaching, and dedicating his time to children of all ages.  There are many coaches of athletes today who were led into coaching under his guidance. His calm mannerism commanded respect from his colleagues, students and athletes throughout his career. In 2003 He was inducted in the THHS Hall of Fame.

Never far from the action, but in his nature, under the radar, he was involved in Grandma’s Marathon for many years, as the starter for 10 years and head organizer for the start of the race in Two Harbors from 1996-2004. He and his wife entered the Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame and won the Two Harbors Chamber of Commerce Volunteers of the Year Award in 2004.

He worked as a guardian ad litem for Lake County Courts for 4 years, protecting the best interest of the children entrusted to him. He represented these children with fairness, kindness, and love.

Geno was a member of the United Church, singing in their choir for 36 years.  He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.  He really enjoyed music, whether singing or dancing.  He was an exceptional gardener and farmer; an excellent bowler; and an avid and skilled hunter and fisherman.  When he wasn’t teaching, coaching, or at home with his family, you could find him on Thomas Lake or at his hunting Shack the Pentagon.  He loved and cherished his time spent with his family, especially his grandkids!

Geno was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Todd, and brothers, John Cleuver, Willis, Marvin, and Wayne Goedel.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Jono of Minneapolis, daughters, Heidi (Chris) Puchner of St. Louis Park, and Sara (Scott) Gallagher of Orono; grandchildren, Eli, Elliana, and P.J.; his sisters Esther DeLan and Millie Golightly, and his extended family Carmen LaSavage and family, Zach and Logan Anderson, many nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday March 20th, 2015 at Cavallin Funeral Home in Two Harbors.  Services will be held at 2 PM Saturday March 21, 2015 at Two Harbors High School Auditorium, with an hour visitation before.  There will be a celebration of life reception at the Loyal Order of Moose following the funeral.  To sign the on-line register book please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com