George Goalen Obituary

George Goalen
Thompsonville, MI
06/08/1936 - 12/09/2025
George Thomas Goalen of Thompsonville, formerly of the Detroit area, passed away at 89 years of age on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 8th, 1936; son of George Kirk Goalen and Annie (McDonald) Goalen.
George met and married the love of his life, Ann Goalen, in 1969. Together they moved from the Detroit area to Lower Herring Lake in Elberta and enjoyed the lake life. In later years, they enjoyed going to dinner and seeing a movie on the big screen at the local theater. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they renewed their vows at the family cottage in May of 2019.
George was a man of many talents and enjoyed various hobbies. He enjoyed boating and sailing during his summers up north. When it came to using his fine motor skills and creativity, George was an excellent craftsman. He was talented at working with stained glass, ceramics, sewing, and woodwork. Alongside his hobbies, he was handy at home and did all his own carpentry and finish work.
George's family would describe his sense of humor as quirky- he loved to laugh and get others' goat. When out and about, he liked to converse with strangers to relate to them and bring a smile to their face. During his years in the workforce, he worked with excellence and was an industrious and diligent individual. His work ethic carried into his retirement where he spent much of his time splitting and stacking wood, maintaining his property, and caring for his beloved cats. Lastly, George was secretively generous- he found joy in helping others without the need to be known of his giving nature.
He is preceded in death by George and Annie Goalen (parents), Joan Kruger (sister), George Goalen (son), and Ann Goalen (wife). He is survived by Ian Goalen (brother), Brian Goalen (son), Megan Shepard (granddaughter), Brooke Brouwer (granddaughter), Keegan Goalen (grandson), Lauren Corro (granddaughter), and Grace Goalen (granddaughter).
A Memorial will be held in the spring of 2026. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.