William E. Goodsene

William E. Goodsene, 91, of Elkhart, passed away Sunday Sep. 19, 2021 at home with his loving wife by his side. He was born Dec. 31, 1929 in Elkhart to Shirley “Bud” and Beulah (Mitchell) Goodsene. He married Elsie Kiefer on Oct. 1, 1971 in Elkhart. She preceded him in death in April 2000. He married Violet Sailor on Dec. 21, 2001.

Surviving are: his wife Violet, 2 sons William Edward (Teresa) Goodsene of Knightstown and James Allen Goodsene of Goshen; a sister Kathryn Jane Cutter of Elkhart; 2 granddaughters Lindsay Ann (Jon) Arndt of Green Valley, AZ and Jordyn Kathryn Goodsene (Fiancé Michael Shoptaugh) of Indianapolis and great-grandchildren:  Clara, Winnie and Leah Arndt, Maelyn and Samuel Shoptaugh. Also surviving are 4 step-children Margo Sailor of Fl, Eric (Kathy) Sailor of Ft. Wayne, Michael (Bonnie L.) Sailor of Elkhart, Mitchell (Bonnie J.) Sailor of Elkhart and 9 step-grandchildren, and 7 step-great-grandchildren

Bill graduated from Elkhart High School in 1948 and was a Miles Laboratories Scholarship winner and attended the University of Arizona for several years. He began his banking career with First National Bank as a messenger while still in high school in 1947 and returned in 1952 as a full-time employee. He held various positions in the bank including: Assistant Manager of the Bookkeeping Dept, Auditor Manager of Data Processing, Controller and Manager of the Accounting Division. He also served as Secretary for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 25 years during his tenure at the bank, retiring in 1990.

He was past treasurer of Elcona Country Club and enjoyed curling at the club; also past president of the Elkhart Breakfast Exchange Club and past treasurer of the Elkhart Vintage Auto Club. He was a member of Trinity on Jackson, formerly known as Trinity United Methodist Church and served as past head usher, president of the Board of Trustees and a member of various committees.

During his retirement he enjoyed gardening, collecting old cars and having them restored, plus attending various car shows and swap meets. He also enjoyed spending the winter months in Arizona.

Visitation will be 10am to 12 pm Thursday Sep. 23, 2021 at Trinity on Jackson, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46516 where funeral services will be at 12 pm

Burial will be in the Abbey Mausoleum, Goodsene Private Room #1, Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, OK.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the Goodsene family. Memorials my be given to Trinity on Jackson Church Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation. On-line condolences made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

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