Leroy James Goodnough

Leroy James Goodnough, 80, of Sedona, Arizona, was born on June 28th, 1940 in Chicago Illinois, and passed away March 31st, 2021. He was the son of Verna (Jasicki) and Porter Goodenough, and was raised in Rice Lake, Wisconsin along with his brother Daryl. In 1963, he married Regina (Jean) Ann Lieffring of Durand Wisconsin, to whom he was married for 58 years. They had four children and raised their family in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Roy was a dedicated husband and father and enjoyed taking road trips, going to polka festivals, playing and listening to music, and getting together with friends and family. Roy received a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Minnesota, and in 1970, was hired as one of the first faculty members (magnificent 18) at Inver Hills Community College, the start of a long and fulfilling career. He loved to teach and mentor his students, giving advice and guidance on life issues and career choices. He was fondly known as “Dean Goodnough” among his colleagues, because he often took on additional responsibilities and piloted new programs such as evening and Saturday classes, distance learning, and the creation of the liberal studies program. Roy also worked as a licensed real estate broker. He founded his own company Royal Realty where he designed and built many houses in the local area. In his later years, Roy and Jean enjoyed more leisure time; biking, traveling around the country to visit family and friends, and hiking in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona where they moved after Roy’s retirement from Inver Hills College. Roy or “Pete” as he was known by his close friends and family, will be lovingly remembered for his endless energy and zest for life, his willingness to help others in whatever way he could, love of music, openness to new ideas, creative spirit, and forward thinking ways. Forever in our hearts, we are thankful for his presence in our lives. Left to remember Roy are his loving wife Jean, his children Steve, Julie, Chad, and Kari, grandsons Kyle, Cade, and Cole, nieces, nephews, and cousins.