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Alpha Goodman

August 23, 1923 - March 11, 2023
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Thursday 3/23, 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Thursday 3/23, 3:00 pm

Alpha L. Goodman (Johnson), 99 of Milwaukee was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who was brought to eternal life on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Alpha was born on August 23, 1923, near Iola, Wisconsin. She was the oldest of seven children. Her surviving siblings are Kenneth Hansen (Janet) and Mildred Repich. Preceding her in death are Leland Hansen (late Joanne), Alice Johnson (late Julian), Bud Hansen (late Roma) and Vivian Haggler (late Robert). Alpha grew up on a farm which introduced her to hard work at a young age.  After schooling, she moved to Milwaukee and started a career as a waitress.  A few years later she moved to Chicago.

Alpha married and gave birth to her only child, Carol, whose father passed away years later. In 1959, Alpha moved back to Milwaukee with Carol.  She worked as a waitress in small cafes as well as restaurants in The Ambassador Hotel and The Wisconsin Club.  She was also a restaurant manager, a head chef, and hostess. Alpha liked being around people and continued to work into her 80s.

Alpha loved her career and was very good at what she did.  She was a hard worker, reliable, dependable, honest, loyal, compassionate, funny and possessed an outstanding personality.  She enjoyed her work so much that at one point while in her late thirties, she made a bet with a friend to see which one could get the most interviews for waitressing. Guess who won? She was hired four times in one day while continuing to work her current job.

Alpha married the late Henry Goodman which brought them much happiness.  They entertained, went dancing, went out to dinner and traveled extensively in and out of the country.

Alpha truly enjoyed life!  Her interests and hobbies were many. They included cooking, baking (sharing her recipes and preparation secrets with her grandson), entertaining, crafting, sewing, crocheting, shopping, reading, helping others and being with family and friends.  Seeing pictures of her great grand-daughters and hearing about their everyday lives always brought a smile to her face.

Alpha was not only classy but amazing! Up until a little after her 98th birthday, she enjoyed having her hair done weekly, her nails done monthly, and was still driving! She would fly to Florida to spend quality time in winter with her daughter and son-in-law.  Oh, and something she truly looked forward to — was cocktail time! . . . .  cocktails (wine,  martini or vodka on the rocks) and appetizers while chatting and having a good time (of which she did often with a close friend). She was 97 when she went wine tasting with a friend.  A gentleman, who was also wine tasting, found her to be charming, attractive, funny and quite amazing; so, he bought her truffles. Alpha was so flattered! While in her 80s and 90s, she became an avid reader of novels and quite proficient on her computer, iPad, iPhone and directing Alexa.  Alpha loved Max, her Roomba!

Something which was remarkable, was the fact that not only did Alpha look fabulous but acted as if she was at least 20 years younger. She was 100% in her “right mind” right up until her death!!!  That is why during her last year of life, she became frustrated with multiple health issues.

What a wonderful and sweet lady! It was a true gift to have had her in our lives for as long as we did.  Everyone who had the fortune of knowing her was blessed!

She leaves behind: her late husband, Henry Goodman, beloved daughter Carol Dethloff (Rick) of New Berlin, WI and Lake Suzy, Florida; cherished grandsons Scott Dethloff (Lauren) of St. Charles, IL and Craig Dethloff (Oana Panaite) of Bloomington, Indiana; and, her adored three great grand-daughters Hayden, Shay and Eden of St. Charles, IL.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews and close friends.  She will be sorely missed by all and an abundance of memories will not only be treasured; but, will remain within our hearts.

A Memorial Gathering will take place at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Thursday, March 23rd from 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM with service to follow at 3:00 PM.

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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Thursday 3/23, 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Thursday 3/23, 3:00 pm
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Alpha L. Goodman (Johnson), 99 of Milwaukee was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who was brought to eternal life on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Alpha was born on August 23, 1923, near Iola, Wisconsin. She was the oldest of seven children. Her surviving siblings are Kenneth Hansen (Janet) and MildredContinue Reading

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Craig and Oana left a message on March 22, 2023:
In memory of Alpha Goodman, Craig and Oana lit a candle
Jewel Molthen left a message on March 21, 2023:
Will surely miss our telephone conversations Aunt Alpha and family discussions we had on our history. I'm sure heaven is even more blessed with you in it and the party will continue. Love you.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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