Geraldine A. Goodwin, age 78, of Mahnomen, MN, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, died Monday, May 4, 2009, at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen, MN. She was with her children, when she died peacefully.

Geri was born August 28, 1930, in White Earth, MN, to Joseph Villebrun and Mary Ellen Stene. As a young girl, Geri lived in White Earth, with her family. Geri was a mother to 14 children and had many grandchildren; she enjoyed each and every one of them.

Geri loved to play bingo and cards and enjoyed going to the casino with her friends and daughter, Mary. Geri loved to hangout, have some drinks and smoke with all her close friends. Geri especially loved being with her grandchildren, cooking for them and just enjoying their company. Geri and her granddaughter, Justina, loved to listen to music, sing and dance. Justina wants to grow up to be just like her grandma, Geri.

Geri loved her family and friends; she was there for anyone who needed her. All Geri's nieces and nephews loved her like a mother. Even up to Geri's last days, she loved to sing her favorite song "Home on the Range."

Geri is survived by, Ervin Goodwin Sr. of Mahnomen, MN; four daughters: Mary (Robert) Weigelt, Geri Goodwin, Charlene (Ken) Lacey and Bobbi Goodwin all of Minneapolis, MN; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Turpin of Mahnomen, MN; seven sons: Merton Turpin of Minneapolis, MN, John Turpin of Terre Haute, IN, Gary Goodwin, Terry Goodwin, Ervin Goodwin Jr. all of Mahnomen, MN, Craig (Donna) Goodwin of Minneapolis, MN, and Guy Goodwin of Mahnomen, MN; three sisters: Patsy Baylen of Mortonville, IL, Ann (Doug) Tovsen of Watertown, MN, and Judy (Jerry) Skaja of Park Rapids, MN. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Geri is preceded in death by her father and mother; two sons; one daughter; and many brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were led by Reverend Don Goodwin on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 2 pm at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Special music was provided by Eagle Spirit Drum. Pallbearers were Jon Hutton, Chad Auginaush, Michael Skomsoyvog, Anthony Mountain, Rashann Goodwin, Matthew Larson, Todd Goodwin Jr. Honorary Pallbears were Courtney Mason, Collins Goodwin, Craig Goodwin Jr., Darren Sam, Brandon Zahn, Landry Goodwin, Travis King, Nathan Zahn, Chuck Lacey, Aaron Hanson. Visitation was held from 12-2 pm on Monday, May 11, 2009 at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Duane Cemetery, rural Lengby, Minnesota.