Gail P. Goodell

Gail Patricia Goodell, 72, passed away from complications of dementia on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines, Iowa, where she has resided since August 2020.

Gail was born on March 17, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the second oldest of five children born to Happy and Grace Mitchell. She was preceded in death by her parents who both passed away in 2014. Gail attended Altoona Elementary and Southeast Polk Junior/Senior High School, graduating in 1969. Gail was five years old when the Mitchell family moved to Altoona, Iowa. The Mitchells were one of the seven founding families of Crestwood Baptist Church in Des Moines. Gail accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young girl and was active in the Southern Baptist Girls Auxiliary, Youth Group, summer camps, and always sang in the choir. Gail served the Lord joyfully and faithfully all her life. Following high school graduation, Gail married fellow student, Don Danielson. They had two boys, Benjamin Mitchell (1973) and David Allen (1975), both Des Moines area residents.

In 1986, Gail married Clarence Goodell. The wedding was the first to be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Altoona, where they were charter members. Gail and Clarence were long time members of Cornerstone Baptist where she was song leader and Clarence played the organ for many years. For numerous summers, Gail spent a joyous week with her sister, Linda Jo, traveling with the Fort Seward Wagon Train in North Dakota re-enacting the lifestyle of pioneers back in the 1700s. Gail’s hobo skit brought much laughter year after year. Gail spent many years working hard at her house cleaning business. She always took pride in helping her many clients in maintaining their homes and enjoying the long term relationships that grew along with their families.

Gail is survived by her loving husband, Clarence Goodell; sons, Benjamin (Amy) Danielson and David (Jennifer) Danielson; grandsons, Benjamin Mitchell and Austin Lee Danielson; step-granddaughters, Alexis Carnes and Courtney Wright; siblings, Linda Jo (Steve) Nehring, Roger Mitchell, April (Dave) Wright, and Libby (David) Miller; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Family will visit with guests following the funeral up until 3:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Altoona Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Immanuel Pathway - Central Iowa (PACE) 7700 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50324.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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