Ervin Goodwin Sr., age 94, of Mahnomen, MN, died Monday, August 20, 2018, at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen, MN.

Ervin J. Goodwin was on born April 14, 1924, to Frank and Ida Goodwin in Beaulieu, MN.  A nickname he received early in life, Ervin was lovingly known as "Sandy" to most people.  Sandy was baptized in the Christian faith at Pine Bend Mission Church on May 4, 1924.  As a young man, Sandy enjoyed working on the farm helping his Pa.  In 1942, Sandy joined the United States Army where he proudly served most of his duties in Europe.  He loved to share military stories of his service and often mentioned tales of cooking for the Corporals and Sergeants.  He was very honored to have served his country.  While on leave, Sandy met Geraldine Villebrun and the couple was united in marriage on January 19, 1951.  Together they raised 14 children while living in Mahnomen and later in Minneapolis, MN.  Sandy worked as a construction worker in both Mahnomen and for Park Construction Company in Minneapolis.  He helped build many roads and bridges throughout Minnesota.  Sandy also planted numerous trees in the Mahnomen and Minneapolis areas.  Proud of this conservation effort, Sandy would often point out his trees while the family would be out for drives.  Following his retirement from construction work, Sandy then went on to do volunteer work for the Catholic Charities Branch 1 on Franklin Ave in Minneapolis.  He served as their head cook for many years, with his specialties being pancakes and a variety of soups.  He truly loved cooking for the community and the wonderful people he served. Sandy also cooked in the kitchen on bingo nights at the Minneapolis Native American Center on Franklin Ave.  He was passionate about cooking and enjoyed sharing this gift everywhere he could.

In June of 2004, Sandy moved back to Mahnomen where he felt most at home.  He purchased a home which he shared with his sons.  As is a common pastime in Mahnomen, Sandy liked playing the machines at the Shooting Star Casino.  He enjoyed when his children and grandchildren came to visit, always cooking for everyone.  Never failing, when anyone came to visit, he would fix something to eat and he would not take NO for an answer…so you better be hungry when you went to Sandy's house.

Sandy loved his family.  He was a there for everyone, not only his kids but for his nephews, nieces, and friends.  No matter what time of day or night, if Sandy received a call or a knock on his door, he would go help.  That simply is the kind of man he was!  He had a generous spirit and if anyone needed a ride, gas money, a warm place to stay, or simply a friend, Sandy's door was always open.  He was a good person and loved very much by his family, extended family and friends.  He will be deeply missed.

Ervin "Sandy" is survived by, four daughters: Mary (Skip) Weigelt of Morgan, MN, Geri "Ninny" Goodwin of Mahnomen MN, Charli (Ken) Lacey of St. Paul, MN, and Bobbi (Joel) Rodriquez of Bloomington, MN; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Turpin of Alexandria, MN; three sons: John Turpin of Marion, IL, Craig (Donna) Goodwin of Richfield, MN, and Guy Goodwin of Mahnomen, MN; and one sister, Ada Engberg of Williston, ND. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ida Goodwin; his wife, Geraldine Goodwin; one daughter, Carolyn; six sons: Clyde, Merton, Gary, Terry, Sandy Jr., and Todd; his grandson, Matthew Larson; and several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Sandy's family would like to thank those who have touched this time with their kindness, especially Pastor Gary Lundberg and Spiritual Leaders: Sandy's great nephew, Frank Goodwin, great niece, Heidi Goodwin, and his great great nephew, Opwaganse Goodwin; and his nieces the Rehbine Girls and Rebecca McDonald, his great niece.