Albert Guy Goodreau, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12, 2023 at his home after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
He was born on March 29, 1936 in L'Anse, MI, the son of Homer and Grace (Gallano) Goodreau.
He graduated from L'Anse High School in 1954 and served in the U.S. Navy.
In 1960 he married Pauline Shulstad at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baraga, and they have been married for 63 years.
Albert worked at Celotex Corporation in L'anse before moving to Westland, MI in 1964. There he worked at Evan's Products working his way to General Superintendent.
They returned to the U.P. in 1972 where he began his career at Copper Range in White Pine, where he worked as the Safety Engineer/General Foreman until the mine's closure.
His final endeavor was Shulstad's Leisure Living where he was chief cook, lawn care and master snow plower. Beth, a resident at Shulstad's, held a very special place in his heart until the day she passed. Beth learned so many things from him!
Albert was a devout Catholic with the Rosary and the Devine Mercy Chaplet being extremely important to him. He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic minister, reader, usher and member of the choir. His beautiful voice is something that will be missed by all!
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight while living in White Pine, Ontonagon and Baraga.
The Goodreau yard was the neighborhood meeting grounds for many games of football, baseball and basketball, or kick-the-can. The kids fondly nicknamed him "Gray Fox", He would always come out to join in a game of basketball with the kids, if not the kids would ask "is Gray Fox coming out to play?"
His family was the most important thing to him and he was always there to support his children and grandchildren in their sporting events. He would lend a shoulder to cry on, words of encouragement or scolding when necessary, or a much needed hug. He loved rocking the babies to sleep with a gentle song or hum. He so loved his grandchildren! He was the epitome of what a father and grandfather should be. Always loving, always supporting, and always caring.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline, children, Peter (Cyndi) of Baraga, Michelle Edge of South Carolina, Dale (Michelle) of L'Anse, Sherri of Baraga, Tom (Lauri) of L'Anse, and Sheila (Dean) Osterman of Baraga; grandchildren, Amber (Bobby), Tyler (Alex), Jordan, Carsyn, Jaden, Reide, Cage, Amanda (Peter), Serena (Tyler), Daryl, Ailee, Ashton, Derek, Jacob, Christopher (Anna), Jonah, Zachary, Cailyn, PJ, Justin; 10 great grandchildren, and his brother Carl (Joan) of Dearborn Heights, MI, sister-in-law Eva Goodreau of Greenland; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, siblings, Charles, Donald, Laura (SR Grace Albert), Lillian Destrampe, Robert, Rosemary Patiernno, Homer, Virginia Bosworth, Dolores Little, Bernice, Gale and Delmer; numerous nieces and nephews, and his mother and father-in-law, whom he lovingly cared for, Herbert and RoseMary Shulstad..
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18th from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home. The rosary prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m., led by Fr. Corey Litzner along with the Knights of Columbus.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St Ann's Catholic Church on Friday, May 19th with Fr. Corey Litzner officiating. The Knights of Columbus will serve as Pallbearers. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery with Baraga County Area Veterans conducting military rites. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.
Friends may sign Al's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com