Byron Frederick Goodrich

Byron Frederick Goodrich, age 89, of Mankato passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a short illness on Friday, August 23, 2024. 

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m., on Friday, August 30, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, rural Easton. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Livestream of the service will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com. 

Byron Goodrich was born in Easton, MN, to Burton and Mary (Paul) Goodrich and grew up with a deep connection to the land and community that would shape his life. 

In 1953 Byron graduated from Delavan High School and enlisted in the US Navy. As a welder, he worked on aircraft carriers, which afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the Pacific. His time in the service instilled in him a strong sense of duty and adventure that stayed with him throughout his life. 

Byron was a dedicated farmer whose devotion to the land was only matched by his devotion to his family and faith. In 1958, Byron married the love of his life, Norma (Krohnberg). Their love was immediate and enduring, and together they built a life on the farm, raising four children who were the pride and joy of their lives. Throughout their years together, Byron and Norma faced many challenges, but they leaned on each other and their faith to guide them through, emerging stronger each time. 

Byron was known for his unwavering work ethic, his commitment to the farm, and how he cherished his family. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was working the fields, attending every family sporting event and recital, woodworking, or traveling the world with Norma. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and he took immense pride in their achievements and happiness. 

After Norma's passing in 2020, Byron continued to find strength in the companionship of the many friends he made at The Pillars of Mankato. His kindness, wisdom, and warm presence left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. 

Byron is survived by his children, Sheldon (Sharla) Goodrich and Dana (Rich) Murry; son-in-law, Grant (Mary) Gallaher; grandchildren, Danielle (Lewis) Remund, Brittany (Kevin) Nowak, Dylan (Kaitlyn) Goodrich, Lindsey (Andrew) Northenscold, MacKenzie (Jon) Kearney, Shelby (Colin) McKissick, Amber (Dylan) Joseph, Molly (Casey) Gorman, and Cody (Payal) Gallaher; 22 great-grandchildren; siblings Gary (Shirley) Goodrich, Audrey Goodrich, Marjorie Hansen, and Valerie Smith, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Byron was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Mary Goodrich; siblings, Dean, LaVerne, and Darwin Goodrich; wife, Norma; children, Sheila Gallaher, Brandon Goodrich, and infant son, and granddaughter, Ashley Gallaher. 

Byron’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Mayo Clinic Health System- Mankato and The Pillars of Mankato for the exceptional care he received. He will be deeply missed but remembered with love and gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.