Louise "Johnnie" Goodwin

Louise Maxine (Droege) Goodwin, 87, of Osakis, MN passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, and is now in the hands of the Lord. Many people will know her as "Johnnie" as she has been nicknamed that her entire life. 

She was a cancer survivor in 2020, and then received the unfortunate news that she had a rare aggressive form of cancer in fall of 2023. She fought hard during this time having multiple surgeries and treatment at Mayo Clinic. 

She was born on December 13, 1936, in Horicon, WI to Dr. Claus and Irma (Melcher) Droege. Johnnie graduated from the former Central High School in Superior, class of 1954. 

She was united in marriage to Kenneth Lyle Goodwin in 1957, until he passed away in August of 1972. Life had many challenges in store for her, especially becoming a widow at the age of 34, with 5 children ranging in ages from 16 years of age to 5 years of age. When meeting with Johnnie, one would never know all she endured, as she always brought a smile and joy to everyone that crossed her path. 

She has made many beautiful projects with her love of knitting and crocheting for most of her life. Countless afghans, sweaters, mittens, etc. that we will treasure forever. She also loved to cook, bake, garden and spend time canning all the vegetables. Johnnie spent time fishing whether it be in the summer or winter and loved making sunfish for everyone. Of all things, her greatest love was being a mother and grandmother, which she was amazing at. 

She is survived by her children: David (Lori) Goodwin of Dayton, MN; Reenie (Joe) Goodwin of Osakis, MN; Kenny (Natalie) Goodwin of Alexandria, MN; Michele (Aaron) Astleford of Buffalo, MN, and estranged daughter Bonnie (William) Schroeder of St. Paul, MN. Grandchildren: Matt (Char) Goodwin of Ogden, UT; Christie Goodwin of Eden Prairie, MN; Jesse Spiering of Starbuck, MN; Heather (Tony) Spiering of Maricopa, AZ; Shawn (Ruthie) Spiering of Osakis, MN; Amanda (Joseph) Richards of Cannon Beach, OR; Mackenzie Goodwin, Kenessa Goodwin of Alexandria, MN, Celestia (Gabriel) Goodwin of Minnetonka, MN. Shane McCallum and Chelsea (Adam) Olsen. Great-grandchildren: Sierra Goodwin, Colton Goodwin, Hailey Spiering, Chloe Spiering; Sister: Dorothy (Gerald) Finkler of Broken Arrow, OK, and several nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Claus and Irma Droege, her husband, Kenneth Goodwin, her sister, Ruth Rolson, and her special companion Dick Heil.

A Private Family service will be held at a later date.