Harlan Keith Goodell

Harlan Keith Goodell of The Villages, Florida passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the age of 94. He was formerly a resident of Ft. Pierce, then Vero Beach and moved to The Villages in May of 2025 to be near his “favorite daughter” (stepdaughter), Lisa Wimmer after his wife Shirley passed away in April of 2025.

Harlan was born on December 30, 1930, in Mankato, Minnesota to Harvey and Helen (Brown) Goodell. He earned his High School diploma in May of 1948 at Cloquet High School, in Cloquet, Minnesota.

Harlan served in the National Guard and enlisted in the United States Air Force in July of 1948. In 1967 he earned The Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as a crew member flying combat support missions over hostile territory from January 17, 1967 - April 6, 1967; and The Air Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as a crew member flying combat support missions over hostile territory from April 6, 1967 – July 12, 1967. In 1968 he earned The Air Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster for Meritorious Achievement while participating in Aerial Flight from July 13, 1967 – Feb. 1, 1968. Harlan retired from the Air Force on December 1, 1968. He served 21 years, 8 mos., 18 days – Basic Pay and 20 years, 7 days – Active Service. He was in three wars: WWII, The Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a Master Sergeant level E-7.

After retiring from the military Harlan became the manager of Tektronix, Inc., working for that company for 17 years.

Harlan married Mary Ricardson, and they shared three sons together, but Mary passed away.

In 1997 he married Shirley Lindsay Goodell. He gained a stepdaughter, Lisa Wimmer (Charlie) and three stepsons, Perry, Christian and Paul (Nancy) Fulk, seven step-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Shirley who passed away on April 23, 2025, and two sons: Thomas and Danny Goodell. He is survived by one son, John Goodell of Marietta, Georgia, eleven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; his stepdaughter, Lisa Wimmer (Charlie), and three stepsons: Perry, Christian and Paul Fulk (Nancy).

Harlan was a member of the VFW and was active as a church member usually wherever his wife Shirley played the organ. He loved the Lord and believed in truth and honesty. He had a high regard for family values. He was quite witty and had a gift for making us laugh. He will be sorely missed.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am at Aycock Funeral Home in Ft. Pierce, Florida with burial to follow at 12 Noon at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held at Aycock Funeral Home after the burial.