Colleen Virginia Goodenbour Colleen Virginia Goodenbour died Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at Cedar Valley Hospice House in Waterloo, of cancer. She spent her last weeks surrounded by friends and family and secure in the knowledge that she was greatly loved. She was 69 years old. After spending thirty-one years as an elementary educator for the Waterloo Community Schools and four years as an adjunct instructor in the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, Dr. Goodenbour remained a teacher at heart. She was also a lifelong learner, earning a B. A. from UNI in 1967, followed by an M. A .in 1989, and an Ed. D. in 1998, at age 57. She had many passions and interests, but none greater that her love for music. A talented musician, she derived great satisfaction from playing piano and organ at both Good Shepherd and St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Churches. She spent many enjoyable hours practicing on her prized grand piano--an outlet which allowed her reprieve from the daily battle with her illness. She was also an active member in the percussion section of New Horizons Band. She enjoyed percussion because of the opportunity to become proficient in a wide array of instruments and techniques and looked forward to each practice session during which she could refine her skills and knowledge. Music has been a powerful source of enjoyment, satisfaction, challenges, and personal pride throughout her life, but especially during the time of her illness. Upon retirement, and in an effort to see her children, who had scattered about the globe, Dr. Goodenbour began traveling regularly. Though limited in the last few years due to her illness, she still managed two trips to New Zealand and Australia, Waikiki, Kauai, and numerous jaunts to California. She was always open to new experiences and was thoroughly engaged in the business of living her life to the fullest during these trips, whether that meant kayaking under waterfalls in Kauai, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, or riding a bicycle through Sonoma County wine country. , Dr. Goodenbour was an active member of several service and professional organizations including Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, National Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, and Iowa Retired School Personnel Association. Born June 30, 1940 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Dr. Goodenbour is survived by two sons, Jay Goodenbour of Christchurch, New Zealand, and Tad Goodenbour of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one daughter, Molly Goodenbour (Pat Fuscaldo) of Santa Rosa, California; two grandsons, Micah and Alexander; two granddaughters, Bridget and Gabriella; a sister, Charlotte Blasberg of Tripoli, Iowa, and a brother-in-law, Gene Drape of Waverly. She is preceded in death by husband Lloyd A. Goodenbour; a sister, Ruth Drape; and parents, the Reverend Victor and Bertha Weidler. Dr. Goodenbour's journey with cancer was a source of inspiration and motivation to those around her. Her tenacity, resilience, persistence, and strength serve as a benchmark for any of us who strive to excel in our daily lives. She approached the challenge of a cancer diagnosis with an interminable resolve, never truly believing that she couldn't win the fight. She carried herself with grace and dignity through each setback and triumph along the way, and made the most of each new day she was given. Memorial services Monday August 3, 2009 11:00 AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; inurnment in Fremont Township Cemetery in Tripoli. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the church; memorials to Cedar Valley Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralHome.com. Arrangements by Locke Funeral Home (319) 233-6138. Copyright © 2009 Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier on-line edition, July 29, 2009.
