Gerald Ray Goodsell

Gerald Ray Goodsell, 74, passed away February 22, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colorado, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 22, 1951, in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Gerald served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, including service during the Vietnam War. Though he rarely spoke about it, his time in the Army was an important part of his life and service to his country.

For most of his life, Gerald worked as a truck driver, a profession he truly loved. The open road suited him, and he appreciated the independence and hard work that came with it.

Family was the center of Gerald’s world. He had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and truly loved—whether you were family by blood or family by choice. He will be remembered for his strength, his quiet kindness, and the deep love he had for those around him.

Survivors include his children, Roudy Goodsell (Ami) of New Castle, Colorado, and Kody Firmin of Basalt, Colorado; grandchildren Kyle Goodsell (Tessa) of Woodbury, Tennessee, Justin Goodsell of Rifle, Colorado, Cameron Firmin of Fruita, Colorado, and Sackett Marcucci of New Castle, Colorado; and great-grandchildren Wilder and Azalea Goodsell of Rifle, Colorado, and Bennett Goodsell of Woodbury, Tennessee.

He is also survived by siblings Carrol and Jan Goodsell of Spearfish, South Dakota; Jan Kaberna of Nemo, South Dakota; Jeannette and John Rebman of Roy, Montana; and Carleen and Greg Brownlow of Deadwood, South Dakota; his aunt Hellen Snell of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and nieces and nephews Shad Kaberna, Darren Goodsell, Darwin Goodsell, Ty Brownlow, Nikki Kuemper, Jess Mead, Amanda Fisher, and Catie Rebman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carrol and Juanita Goodsell; his brother, Ken Goodsell; and his brother-in-law, Gary Kaberna.

Military honors and placement of his memorial plaque will be held at Veterans Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado, on April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 22, 2026, in Nemo, South Dakota, where family and friends will gather to remember and honor him. All are welcome.