Carol Goodman

   Carol Fern Goodman, 76, of Milton, ND, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 17^th, 2023, at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. 

   Carol was born March 11, 1947, in Langdon, ND, to Charles and Fern (Einarson) Stabo.  She graduated from Milton High School in 1965 and then attended North Dakota State University from 1965 – 1969, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Home Economics.  While at NDSU, she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, a Bison cheerleader, and the 1967 Little International Queen.

   Carol married her high school sweetheart, Bernie Goodman, on May 31, 1969.  She lived in Fargo, ND, during their first year of marriage while Bernie served in Vietnam.  It was at NDSU that she began a lengthy professional career, working as the assistant for the Dean of Women.  Upon Bernie’s return from Vietnam, they continued to live in Fargo as he finished graduate school at NDSU.  In the spring of 1972, they moved home to farm north of Milton, ND.  A few years later, they began a family, having two boys, Greg and Brett.  They raised their boys on the farm and spent much time following their sports schedules, instilling a sense of community, making sure they understood the value of hard work, and traveling on many family trips.

   Carol’s professional career extended over 50 years.  After moving back to Milton, she was employed by Western Electric as the public relations director for the Stanley R. Mickelsen SAFEGUARD Complex (SRMSC) in Nekoma, ND, through 1975.  After taking a few years off to raise her boys, she returned to her career as the executive director of the Langdon Chamber of Commerce in 1991.  In 1997, she accepted the position as the director of the Cavalier County Job Development Authority (CCJDA), a role that she served until 2013.  She continued working for CCJDA in a consultant role focused on the re-development of the SRMSC in Nekoma.  Her dedication to this project resulted in a sale of the property to Bitzero in July 2022.  Even with the sale, she continued to assist the new owners as they navigated their project, something that she was doing up until her passing.

   Her career included numerous boards and recognitions.  She served on the State Board of Ag Research, ND Governor’s Military Task Force, chair of the Rural Leadership of ND, past president of the Economic Developers of ND, and the advisory committee for Northeast TrainND.  Her recognitions included the State Meritorious Service Medal from the North Dakota National Guard and the Joseph A. Chapman Leadership Award.  Her work touched many projects in the area, including the designation of Cavalier County becoming a USDA Champion Community, the development of a wind farm, and the assistance in the development of the Victor Sturlaugson NDSU Research Center in Langdon.

   In her private life, she continued to serve her community - playing piano and organ for Milton Lutheran since age 14, board member for the NDSU Development Foundation, Milton Legion Auxiliary, P.E.O. and numerous other local boards and organizations.  Her two favorite projects included working with her father and others in writing the Milton history book and the construction of the Milton Area Memorial Veterans Monument.

   Carol loved her family, friends, and community.  She loved to read, travel, attend NDSU football games, play piano, attend her grandchildren’s sporting and musical events, numerous landscaping projects, and most of all, spending time with her husband on their patio in the evenings.  She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and the community that she loved.

   Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Fern Stabo; sister-in-law Marcia Eagleson; brother-in-law Boyd Eagleson; and brother-in-law Dennis Goodman.  She is survived by her husband, Bernie Goodman; sister Kathy (Gary) Hapip of Tempe, AZ; sons Greg (Sara) Goodman of Langdon, ND, and Brett (Melissa) Goodman of Fargo, ND; six grandchildren: Gage, Quinn, Zachery, Catelyn, Ella, and Summer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   Visitation will be held Friday, September 22^nd from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at United Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND. The memorial service will be held Saturday, September 23^rd at 2:00 p.m. at United Lutheran Church in Langdon, N.D., followed by a burial service at the Milton Memorial Cemetery at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Carol F. Goodman Memorial Music Scholarship or Milton Memorial Cemetery.

Local Floral Shops:

Junque Decor in Langdon 701-370-2639

Nature's Best in Walhalla 701-549-3611