Darrel Goff

Darrel Goff, age 74 of Long Prairie and formerly of Minneapolis, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2006 at the Centra-Care Long Prairie Memorial Nursing Home in Long Prairie. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 27, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Long Prairie with Reverend Paul Twist presiding. Darrel Lee Goff was born at Appleton, MN on November 17, 1931 to Leon and Margaret (Hawkinson) Goff. The family moved to Eagle Bend, MN in 1945 when he was 14 years old. He grew up on farms and later operated his own. He began his service to his country by joining the Army in 1950 during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and returned to farming. Darrel was united in marriage with Jeanette Johnson on January 29, 1955 in Eagle Bend. Together they had a farm until 1966 when they made the decision to move their family to Minneapolis. He was employed at Hitchcock Industries for 30 years as a foundry worker, smelting metal for aircraft and other machine parts. After retirement, he and Jeanette moved to their home in Long Prairie. Darrel was a devoted husband and father who had a heart of gold when it came to spending time with and helping his family. Daughter Connie remembers him driving down country roads past farms and telling her about the cows, pigs and crops. She loved him for the support he showed for his grandchildren and how he was there for them when they were in need. Darrel enjoyed watching sports on TV. Son Steve remembers watching Vikings games on Sunday with his parents. He enjoys the memory of his parents coming to his wedding in Rosemount, MN just 6 months ago and the three of them having their picture taken next to Steve's Harley Davidson motorcycle. Steve also remembers his dad working hard in the fields, milking cows and feeding the pigs. Darrel enjoyed creating with his hands. Son Dennis enjoyed the time he spent with his dad since he returned to Minnesota in 2001 working on carpentry projects and painting. Together they took old houses and refreshed them with new siding and paint. They worked on cars together. Dennis was always amazed at his dad's desire to learn new things. After a project was done, Dennis remembers his dad looking over the results and being proud of the "thousands" that they probably saved. Dennis holds the memory of his dad's never-ceasing love for Jeanette, especially her cooking. He also remembers the love his dad had for all his grandchildren, most recently shown in the time and attention spent on Dennis' son Jaron. Darrel also loved his dog Sonny. Every morning he would take Sonny for their morning ride in the car. He attended Christian concerts with Jeanette all over the state and enjoyed spending time site seeing on short trips and leaf watching on the shores by Duluth. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Margaret and brother Gene. He is survived by his loving wife Jeanette; sons Thomas, Dennis and Steve; daughters Debbie and Connie; and 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bud Goff of Blooming Prairie, MN and sister Patsy Piepho of Coon Rapids. Pallbearers were Tom Goff, Dennis Goff, Steve Goff, Cory Goff, Danny Goff and Steve Carlson. Military honors were provided by the Minnesota National Guard and Army Reserve. Interment was in the Hope Cemetery at Eagle Bend.

Darrel Goff

November 17, 1931 - February 23, 2006