Bill Goodale

Bill Goodale, 85, of Diagonal died April 23, 2015, at his home east of Diagonal.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at the United Church of Diagonal. The Rev. Edward Shields will officiate. Burial will be in Knowlton Cemetery east of Diagonal. Open visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with family present 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home of Diagonal and Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given to Diagonal Community School, United Church of Diagonal and Knowlton Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.watsonarmstrongfh.com.

Billie Gene Goodale, son of Retha (Johnson) and Earl L. Goodale, was born June 22, 1929, in Creston.

Bill lived his entire life in Diagonal. Because his mother’s arthritic health issues, his “Granny” Emma Johnson lived in their home and took on much of the responsibility of caring for Bill.

Bill graduated from Diagonal High School in 1947. Bill was recruited to play basketball for Drake University, where he attended for one year. He then returned to Diagonal, and married Joan Woosley on June 22, 1948.

Bill worked in his father’s produce business until March 1949, when they moved to the country, where he farmed and had a dairy operation and lived the rest of his life.

Bill served as a member of Diagonal Community School Board for many years. He was also Sunday school superintendent and a lay speaker for the United Methodist Church in Diagonal. He was a Jefferson Township trustee and served on the ASCS County Committee.

Bill is survived by his wife Joan of Diagonal; sons, Steve of Martensdale, Jon (Kathy) of Diagonal, Dan (Kristy) of Diagonal and Cris (Gale) of Adel; grandchildren, Eric (Brenda) Goodale, Angie (Jerry) Bedwell, Cindy (Darin) Goins, Billi (Drew) Larsen, Mike (Sarah) Goodale, Kelli Goodale, Greg (Katie) Goodale, Niki, Brandi, Ryan and Staci Goodale; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.