Ross Goodrich Obituary

Dr. Ross E. Goodrich Jr., 93, a resident of Mundelein, IL, passed away February 1, 2025 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. He was born July 8, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Roswell and Elisabeth nee Herliska Goodrich Routhe.
Ross's life could be summed up with the three-word phrase "Veni, Vidi, Vici" - "I came, I saw, I conquered".
Ross was a Boy Scout in his youth, lived in a religious boarding school in Boone, IA and in a remote Arkansas cabin with a fireplace but no plumbing or electricity.
Ross was a graduate of three US Army Automotive Mechanic Training Programs. He served in the Korean War, First Marine Division and participated in the Inchon Invasion.
After his service in Korea, he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Northwestern University with a Master of Science degree and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a PhD in geography. He also attended the University of Illinois in Chicago, Knox College of Galesburg, IL, and La Escuela Normal de Los Profesores in Saltillo, Mexico.
Dr. Goodrich taught public schools in Sultan, WA, Hammond, IN, Union Grove, WI and Round Lake, IL. He joined the Geography Department faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Later he changed careers to public health, attended the CDC in Atlanta, GA for training in Infection Control and became an Environmental Health professional. Many years were spent employed by the Lake County Department of Health. He represented Cook County Department of Public Health on the Illinois Department of Agriculture Education Committee. Dr. Goodrich retired in 1995.
Ross was a past President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Grayslake Community Park District.
He enjoyed building furniture for his log home, made many trips to Mexico for study and pleasure and wrote three books on World Overpopulation.
Ross is survived by his wife, Lois, his children Nina (Joe) Korcheck, and Holly Sundal, his step-children Angela (Russ) Chamberlin, Andrea Kowitz, and Richard (Cindy) Braa, his grandchildren Lindsey (Dan) Loucks, Atticus Sundal, Kalynn Kowitz, Morgan Kowitz, Emma (Jorge) Diaz, Kelsey Chamberlin, Courtney Chamberlin, Eden Korcheck and Julia Braa, his great grandchildren Clark, Archie and Ellis Loucks, and Alejandro and Roselyn Diaz, his siblings Norma Quinn, Marie Donovan, and Donald Goodrich, and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Richard Goodrich, Rocco Routhe, Ramona Schaefer, Charles Routhe and the mother of his children Christina Askew.
Ross loved his family and cherished his friendships. Though he is no longer here, his love still surrounds us.
A memorial visitation and service are scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030, from 10:00am until 11:00am with the service commencing at 11:00am. Inurnment will follow at Millburn Cemetery in Millburn, IL. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.
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