Harold D. Goodell

Harold Douglas Goodell, 78, passed away with family by his side at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, June 24, 2017.  Harold was born February 15, 1939 in St. Joseph, Michigan to the late Leslie W. and Eunice M. Goodell. Harold grew up on his parent’s fruit farm in Dowagiac carrying out chores during his younger years and learning entrepreneurial skills from his father.  Harold was a graduate of Dowagiac Union High School and in 1961 obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science from Michigan State University.  He was a member of the agricultural fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho, a professional-social fraternity for men pursuing careers in the food, fiber, or life sciences industries.  After graduation, Harold served in the Air National Guard from 1962-1966 as an airplane mechanic utilizing his mechanical skills learned from working on his father’s farm.  Harold worked at the Eau Claire Fruit Exchange during the summer while in college and after graduation became a fulltime employee and spray consultant. In January of 1964, Harold pursued his dream to become a fruit and vegetable grower when he purchased the challenging 120 acre Rosenberg Farm on Sink Road in Dowagiac.  He nurtured the existing apple, cherry and pear trees as well as asparagus.  He also grew tomatoes and corn for rotation in addition to blackberries.  Harold’s work ethic was tenacious in all aspects of fruit growing.  Driven by desire to succeed, he worked long hours, pruned all of his trees, kept his own books, completed his own mechanical work, bought used equipment and made repairs on equipment during the winter months.  Harold was steadfast with Mother Nature and took heed whenever necessary, included putting out smudge pots to prevent frost, spraying religiously and later installing his own trickle irrigation system for the apple orchards.  Harold’s passion for fruit farming was inspired by family and in turn he inspired his family.  His wife Carol was involved in the farm their entire time together and his son Nick worked with his father on the farm for a decade.  Harold was sought after by equipment manufacturers, chemical manufacturers and Michigan State University for testing of products and techniques.  Ultimately, Harold became a very successful fruit grower, prominent industry leader and was well known for a high quality product. Harold served as a volunteer on the Indian Lake Fire Department from 1970-2016 and held the position of Fire Chief for three years during 1977-1980.  Harold’s passion for farming led to serving on the Eau Claire Fruit Exchange Board of Directors in 1999 and he remained on the board for many years.  He was viewed by the community as a wealth of knowledge and eager to help.  Later, he served on the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board from 2002-2015.  He was a loyal member and brought a great business mind to the Board.  Harold was an avid hunter of deer and pheasant.  After harvest season, he would head to Iowa with friends for pheasant hunting trips.  Harold was a dedicated fan of the MSU football and basketball teams.  He also was a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers and Red Wings. Survivors include his wife Carol A. Goodell of Dowagiac, Michigan, daughter Wendy S. Ferguson (Leonard) of Northville, Michigan, and son Nicholas D Goodell (Martha) of St. Joseph, Michigan.  Grandchildren in order of age: Matthew and Lauren Goodell, Jack and Elise Ferguson and Step Granddaughter Carolina Garza.  Sister Nadine Atnip of Appleton, Wisconsin and former Daughter in Law, Ann Marie Goodell. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 12th from 4-7pm at Starks Family Funeral Home Clark Chapel located on 405 Center Street, Dowagiac.  The funeral will be held Thursday July 13th, 11am at the Silver Creek United Methodist Church on 31994 Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac followed by burial at Indian Lake Cemetery on School Street.  The family invites you to commune and share stories of Harold with one another over lunch at the Indian Lake Fire Department, 33104 M-62 W, Dowagiac.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Indian Lake Fire Department or to the Silver Creek United Methodist Church.  Those wishing to share a memory of Harold may do so at www.clarkch.com.