Francis M. GOODREAU

GOODREAU, Francis M. -- Born in Liberty, NE, on July 30, 1924, Francis (Frank/Fran) Goodreau passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 4, 2005. Frank never ceased to impart wisdom to his loving family and the lessons he taught in the last few days of his life will live forever in his children and grandchildren.Raised on a small farm in Liberty, NE, he graduated from high school at the age of 16. He moved to Kansas City, MO, to attend radio operator school. He was employed by Northwest Airlines during WWII, and later enlisted in the Navy in 1944, serving in the Pacific during the last year of the war. He was recalled to military service during the Korean War, and the Air Force became a lifetime career. His military duty brought him to Sacramento in 1964, and he proudly made this area his home. After retiring from military service, Frank worked with Sacramento Valley tomato farmers in the development and maintenance of mechanical harvesters; was employed by the Civil Service; and at an age when most people have long retired, taught himself new skills on the computer providing him an outlet to utilize his many talents assisting local doctors with insurance billings.Frank married the love of his life, Irene Balcer, on April 10, 1947. Frank is survived by his wife, Irene; four children, Larry (and wife Bev), Jan (and husband Chris), Joy (her friend, Ken) and Ed (his wife, Cindy); four grandchildren, Jennifer, Meredith, Tiffany and Trevor; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Brenda and Aidan.Frank's family would like to acknowledge the many skilled nurses (too numerous to mention by name) at Sutter General Hospital, who provided loving and tender care in the last few weeks of his life. In particular we salute the nurses in ICU, BMT unit, Four West, Five West and the Transitional Care Unit. Frank was an avid sportsman, traveler, computer buff, and at the top of the list a devoted husband and father. A very special place in his heart was reserved for his grandchildren. He always had the time to help them with homework, attend their games and special events, and help with special projects. Most import of all, he taught them self respect and gave them confidence to gain their place in the world. He never quit trying to help them and his devotion to them was returned many times over in the final days of his life as they watched over him, caressed him and took such loving care of him that his face would light up when they entered the room.The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or Sutter Cancer Sutter in lieu of flowers. Memorial service to be held at Calvary Cemetery, Sacramento, on March 10 at 1:00 PM. Published in the Sacramento Bee on 3/8/2005.