Francis William “Bill” Goodreau, 93, of Iron Mountain, left us to be with our Lord Monday, February 2, 2015, at the Oscar G. Johnson Veteran’s Hospital, Iron Mountain, surrounded by family. He had been a resident of Golden Living Center, Florence, Wis. since 2013.

He was born January 26, 1922, in Iron River, Mich., son of the late Frank and Pauline (Rochon) Goodreau.

Francis grew up in Iron River, and at the age of 18 enlisted with the United States Army Air Corps and entered into military service in July 1940. He became an aircraft mechanic rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and Line Chief. Francis then became an Air Force Flying Cadet in 1943, obtaining his wings and commission of Second Lieutenant. He traveled to England as the co-pilot of a Bay Liberator Bomber crew. Francis completed two separate overseas tours of duty, thirty five out of England and forty out of Italy. He was decorated with two distinguished Flying Crosses, eight air medals and eight Battle Stars on the European Theatre of Operations ribbons. Following his distinguished World War II Service, he had many varied jobs and spent 38 years as a Fireman/Engineer for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad.

He liked to stay busy and worked into his eighties for both Lanter and Dunham Express delivering packages throughout the Upper Peninsula and Northeastern Wisconsin. Francis enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, taking drives with his brother, Bob, meeting his friends at McDonalds for coffee and watching the Packers on Sundays.

Francis was very proud of his military service. He was very active, between 1950 and 1970, in the American Legion and served as the Department VA Voluntary Services Committee Chairman for five VA Hospitals in Michigan. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.

He is survived by two step-daughters, Carol Menard, Lewisburg, Ky., and Pat (Andy) Uhazie, Iron Mountain; one brother, Robert (Eleanor) Goodreau, Iron Mountain; four grandchildren, Jamie Menard and Angela Menard both of Clarksville, Tenn. and Christopher Uhazie and Bradley Uhazie, both of Iron Mountain; two great-grandchildren, Ashley Menard and Alexis Cotter and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Trudy, he was preceded in death by one brother William Goodreau.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 6, 2015, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. The Iron Mountain American Legion Uren-Cooper-Johnson Post No. 50 will accord Military Honors, Friday, 4:45 p.m. at the funeral home. The Funeral Service will be held Friday, 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Francis or leave a condolence to his family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Francis’s Legacy of Life.