Gail Edward Goodwin

Gail Edward Goodwin, 89, of Wheaton, Illinois, peacefully passed away November 10, 2025, surrounded by family. Gail, the youngest of three children, was born September 28, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“Goody” -as he was known to family and friends- lived up to his name. He was wise, funny, athletic, kind, selfless and loved. He was a quietly remarkable man – an ordinary person who lived an extraordinary life in service to others. As one friend said, “Every time I talked to him, he made me feel like there was no place he would rather be at that moment.”

Gail was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, and attended Northside High School. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi at Valparaiso University where he graduated in 1959 with a degree in Secondary Education. He earned a master’s in history from University of Illinois and a master’s in counseling from Roosevelt University.

His first position was at Walther Lutheran High School, Melrose Park, Illinois, where he taught History, P. E., and coached football, basketball and baseball. In 1967 he accepted a position of History teacher and Freshman Basketball Coach at Oak Park and River Forest High School. He moved into the role of Dean and would serve at OPRF for the next 24 years. Gail next accepted the role of Academic Advisor at Concordia University Chicago where he served for 11 years. He finished his career full circle back at Walther from 2002-2004 as Dean of Students. In his 70s and 80s Gail was still coaching grade school basketball – not quite ready to stop teaching.

In his 45 years in schools, Mr. Goodwin, Coach Goodwin, and Dean Goodwin confidently encouraged, advised, and positively influenced thousands of students and parents. He was, at his core, a coach. He had an endearing way of engaging people, patiently listening and then sharing great advice. Never one to need the spotlight, he was a humble influencer; generous to everyone, genuine in his love of life and others, and faithful.

Gail was a member at St. Paul, Melrose Park for 66 years. His church life and church family were central to everything. Over the years he served on boards, sang in the choir, took communion to shut ins, and rarely missed a worship service, Bible Study or Coffee Hour.

In 1962 he married Barbie, the love of his life, at St. Paul, and they were married for 63 years. Together they raised three daughters, made annual trips on M22 to the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan, played Bridge, traveled the world, attended hundreds of Friday Night Cherries and Olives in the neighborhood, and spent countless hours with family, friends and their nine grandchildren. Gail’s daughters were the apple of his eye and he proudly introduced them to everyone everywhere at any time. He was a gem of a father.

Gail loved playing tennis, whistling, Euchre, a good Manhattan, giving hugs to loved ones or perfect strangers, ice cream, and everything Indiana – especially Allen County. He could tell you every historical fact about Abraham Lincoln, Civil War Battlefields and Hoosiers basketball. He loved sports and could analyze every pitch, swing, shot or formation. An avid White Sox fan, he watched, attended or listened to almost every game – including double headers. He also loved his Green Bay Packers.

A child of God, Gail loved the Lord, his family, friends and students. His faith directed everything in this life. He trusted in God’s promises and was confident that he would have eternal life in the arms of his Savior. Jesus must have finally yelled, ‘Hey fella!! Get up here – we’ve been waiting for you!!’

Gail is survived by his wife, Barbara (nee Weiss), his son-in-law Jack Pallas, his daughters Jill (Brian) Zempel and Jennifer (Michael) Wray; grandchildren Danielle (Cameron) Wilson, Lindsey (Karl) Madison, Kelsey, Chloe, Nicholas, Claire, Jacob, Matthew, Madeline; great-grandsons Kash and Callum; loving nieces and nephews, sister and brother-in-laws, dear cousins and wonderful friends and colleagues. Gail was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie, nephew Danny, his parents Charles and Stella, sister Margaret and brother Gerald.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants. Psalm 116:15

Visitation is Monday, November 17 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Melrose Park, beginning at 10:30 followed by a funeral service at Noon.

Memorials in the name of Gail Goodwin may be made to: Walther Christian Academy, Melrose Park, Illinois or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Melrose Park, Illinois.