Betty Goodwin

Betty Goodwin, 85, of Warren, formerly of Angus, MN, unexpectedly went to meet her Lord on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Betty entered this world on January 22, 1936, in Floodwood, MN; one of eight children born to John and Adrianna (Haasasker) Van Baalen. The family relocated to a farm east of Warren, and Betty graduated from Warren High School with the class of 1954. Shortly thereafter, on August 27, 1954, Betty was united in marriage to her sweetheart, Murray Goodwin. The two began their lives together on the family farm near Angus. Betty would become the typical farm wife, raising their son, Steve, making the meals, and keeping the house- all this while working the land alongside her husband and helping him in countless ways. She loved tending her large garden and canning produce in the fall. From a young age, Betty was never one to complain or make a fuss and this was a valued trait on the farm.

She was very active in her church, Angus-Tabor Presbyterian, and was a lifelong member. Betty was a Sunday and Bible School teacher, a church treasurer for many years, a clerk of session, as well as a church Elder and active in the Presbyterian Women's group for many years. In 1983, Betty and Murray moved into Warren, where Betty worked for the Ken Nelson Agency, was on the Landmark board, and served as a local election official. In the coming years, she began to increasingly serve as a caregiver to her beloved husband. She led the Christian life by example, and Betty's selflessness was appreciated beyond measure. Murray died on January 14, 2020, and Betty moved into the senior apartments in Warren.

In her free time, Betty enjoyed walking, playing games, reading, and bowling (in her earlier years). Her favorite pastime was visiting with her family. She especially loved seeing her three grandsons in their sporting events, tagging along to cheer on her boys no matter the distance.

Betty passed away in her sleep after preparing for the following day. That evening we can be sure that Murray was there to welcome her, saying “Bea! You're finally home!” In Betty's things, the family found where she had written down her greatest accomplishment. It was one word:
Steve.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Marie Goodwin: three grandsons and five great-grandchildren, Jared (Justin Adler) Goodwin of Minneapolis; Cole (Brooke) Goodwin and their children, Axel and Stella; and Lucas (Kaia) Goodwin and their children, Maclin, Addilyn, and Lawson, all of East Grand Forks, MN: sisters, Henrietta “Hank” Bergman, Adrianna (Will) Omang, and Marion (Ed) Anderson: and brothers, Julius “Juke” Van Baalen, and John (Sally) Van Baalen.

In addition to her husband of 65 years, Murray, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Melvin; sister, Gertrude Conklin; brothers-in-law, Richard Omang, Gordon Conklin, and Paul Bergman; and sister-in-law, Eunice Van Baalen.

May God bless the memory of Betty Goodwin.

Memorials are preferred to the WAO Education Foundation, North Star Manor, and North Valley Health Center.

VISITATION (open to the Public): Thursday, March 18, 2021, from 9:30-10:45 AM, in Angus-Tabor Presbyterian Church, Angus, MN; Masks will be required in the church.
FUNERAL SERVICE (for family and close friends): Thursday, March 18, at 11:00 AM, in Angus-Tabor Presbyterian Church.
INTERMENT: Next to her husband, Murray, in Angus-Tabor Presbyterian Cemetery, Tabor, MN.

To watch a video of Betty's funeral service, please click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/165181363494299/videos/150914240228890