Cresco loses champion

CRESCO - The area was saddened to hear of the loss of a cornerstone of the Cresco community when Don Gooder passed away on Sept. 24, 2019.

Throughout his life, Don made it a priority to promote Cresco and Howard County. If someone wanted something done, one of the first people to get on board was Don Gooder.

He was a founding member of the Cresco Industrial Development Corporation and was appointed to the first CIDC board.

Snowmobiles became popular in the 1960s, and the entrepreneur added Ski Doos in the winter of 1968-69 to Don Gooder Sales. In 1969, he, along with others, formed a snowmobile club, now known as Driftrunners. He and his brother, Bill, brought the concept of trail-riding to Howard County after learning about it in Wisconsin.

He was also part of the group that organized the first Snowfest in 1971.

Don was a founding member of the AgFest celebration, which morphed into Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest.

Current Historical Society President Barb Prochaska noted Don was the one who got her involved in the club. 

Her mother was a member, but she was not. “Don asked, ‘You’re not on the board? Well, you are now!’”

He was involved with the Mighty Howard County Fair, Howard County Sesquicentennial Commission, St. Joseph and then Notre Dame Church and School.

If he wasn’t directly involved with a project, he helped financially, including the Cresco Theatre renovation and Evans Ball Park.

Some of the accolades he received over the years include Cresco Chamber of Commerce’s Dollar Man of the Year; Cresco Jaycees Distinguished Service Award; and the 2008 Cresco Times Plain Dealer’s Hall of Fame Award.

Don helped bring large businesses to Cresco, including Featherlite, Donaldson, Cresco Tool & Die, Advanced Drainage Systems, Alum-Line, Plantpeddler and a Ford dealership.

One organization in which he took great pride was the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was even buried in the official suit coat.

After his passing, Dennis Meirick, IWHOF board member, sent a note to wrestling publications and friends:

“Don Gooder was a founding member of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame, located in Cresco. Gooder was the master of ceremonies at the original banquet held in the spring of 1970. That evening, he was recognized with a special award presented by Harry Burrell, Iowa State University publicity director and Ray Biggerstaff from the ISU athletic department. Through the years, Gooder continued his support of the IWHOF in every way possible. 

“The Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame has a rich history of honoring native Iowans for their contributions to amateur wrestling. When we concluded the 50th annual awards banquet this past spring, our roster of inductees included 133 outstanding individuals. Don Gooder had a say in that exclusive group, as he also served on the IWHOF selection committee. In 2014, the Hall of Fame recognized Don, along with Nehl McKone and Bob Howard, as founding members who not only served as board members, but also served on the IWHOF selection committee. Here is a link to Don’s comments that night. https://www.iowawrestlinghalloffame.com/inductees/founders-award.html.

“For 50 years Don promoted amateur wrestling and the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. Wrestling and the IWHOF were among his passions. He will be missed by everyone involved in our organization, as well as the greater wrestling community.”

Dale and Mary Ellen Turnmire said, “Don was an avid supporter of Cresco activities. He had pride in Cresco and wanted Cresco to grow and prosper. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce.

“We were strong-willed friends who respected each others’ determination to better our town.

“The Gooder kids and the Turnmire kids participated in quarter midget racing and spent many weekends in friendly competition.

“Don will be remembered for his support of Cresco industry and his desire for businesses to prosper and grow. We will miss him.”

Many years ago, Gooders organized and Turnmires helped officiate demolition derbies in many surrounding area towns.

Times Plain Dealer Publisher, Dan Evans noted Don will be missed in Cresco and Howard County. “He was extremely involved in Cresco and the northeast Iowa area. It’s amazing how much he has influenced the area with the many businesses that have been created and continue on with this family. He’s been a true inspiration to Cresco and Howard County.”

Perhaps Jason Passmore summed up Don’s character best when he said, “Don Gooder was a true entrepreneur and passionate business leader for the Cresco area, always a champion of the community, involved in numerous volunteer boards and commissions, one of our founding members of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame and a genuine family man throughout his life.”