Dennis Goodwin

Dennis Goodwin, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a sudden and aggressive battle with acute myeloid leukemia. In true Dennis fashion, he met his final days with grit, candor, and a deep love for those closest to him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 2, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Gowrie, with Pastor Brad Telleen officiating. A private burial will take place at Reading Township Cemetery in Farnhamville with full military rites provided by American Legion Post #510 of Farnhamville. There will be a visitation Thursday May 1, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Funeral Home of Gowrie.

Born and raised in Iowa, Dennis was a man of remarkable independence, work ethic, and tenacity. He spent over 50 years building a successful career in the insurance industry, founding Goodwin Insurance, a business known across the region for its integrity and personal touch. But his passions extended well beyond the office-Dennis was a lifelong tractor pulling enthusiast, pulling his own tractor, Magnum Force, to several state and regional point championships, as well as multiple wins at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. He served as President of the Iowa Tractor Pullers Association, Vice President of the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association, a board member of the NTPA, and enthusiastically organized the Iowa State Fair Tractor Pull. His contributions earned him recognition as an Outstanding Member of the Outlaws.

A proud Army veteran, Dennis served overseas as a Specialist 5 and reflected on his time stationed in Germany with both pride and perspective. It was there, during his military service, that he formally married the love of his life, Leola, after a whirlwind elopement that became one of the couple's most cherished stories. Later, he continued his commitment to service at home as Commander of the American Legion.

Dennis was known for his blunt honesty, his sharp wit, and his undeniable charisma. He had a gift for making strangers feel like friends, and in his retirement years in Florida, he built a vibrant community of people who cherished his company. Despite living far from family, he remained deeply proud of his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leola, with whom he now reunites, as well as his father, Merle Goodwin; mother, Dorothy Vettel; and sister, Dee Ann Allen.

He is survived by his children: Matt Goodwin (Lonnie Holder) of Farnhamville; Jenny (Mike) Conrad of Mankato, MN; and Aimee Jackson of Gowrie. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Murphy (Blake) Grotewold, Conner Conrad, Delaney Conrad, Keegan Goodwin, Mason Goodwin, Morgan (Trevor) Larson, and Lauren Jackson; and two great-grandchildren: Blake and Alex Larson.

Dennis leaves behind more than memories - he leaves a legacy built in hard work, horsepower, and the kind of laughter that fills a bar on a good night. He always said the best part came after the pull, when the engines cooled and the stories and beers flowed freely among friends. Wherever the smell of diesel hangs in the air or old friends swap tales across a dusty fairground, Dennis's spirit rolls on. And somewhere past the sunset, he's at peace - back beside Leola, where his best adventure began.