Clarence Lester “Les” Goodwin

Les was born to Allen and Louise (Jones) Goodwin on April 30, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan.

He married Alice May Koski on February 23, 1942. They were married for 68 years.

Les was drafted into the Army in 1943. He was a mechanic. Later he was transferred into the Air Force, and was a member of the 1st Troop Carrier Squadron. Les was the radioman for a C 47 plane. He flew “The Hump,” which was China, Burma, and India. They flew through the mountains. He received various medals for his service in WWII.

Les was well known as the owner of the Crossroads Bar and Restaurant, along with his wife, Alice. The Crossroads was known for their pasties and fish fries, and people came from all over to enjoy them. He retired at the age of 81 as his wife Alice had become ill and he needed to care for her.

Les had a busy working career starting as a welder in Detroit. He also became a Prudential Insurance man and quickly rose through the ranks. Finally, Les and Alice decided to move to Ironwood, Michigan. He started his own business, The Ironwood Auto Mart, on a small corner lot on US 2. Through the years the business moved on to bigger buildings, finally ending up with a beautiful new dealership for Volkswagen and a used car lot.

In 1967, Les and Alice moved to Marquette, and he became the manager of the Volkswagen dealership there. He also had a used car lot in Houghton, Michigan, with his long-time business associate and friend, Dave Carlborn. Eventually, he decided to purchase a bar and start a whole new business with The Crossroads Bar and Restaurant.

Les belonged to many groups throughout the years including: the Shriners, the Masons, Ironwood American Legion and past Post Commander, and the Senior Drum & Bugle Corps, which earned him so many lifelong friends. He and Alice attended the EAA show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for many years, and especially enjoyed seeing the warbird planes.

Les is survived by his son, Allen Lester Goodwin, and daughter, Cheryl Lee Ademino (Goodwin). Allen’s family: daughter, Anne Goodwin with daughter, Lisa; son, Phillip Goodwin; and son, Michael Goodwin and wife, Becky, with son, Jack Henry. Cheryl’s family: husband, Peter Ademino; daughter, Gina Ademino and husband, Theron Sorgatz, with daughters, Clara and Teresina; daughter, Monica Ademino and husband, Simon Amos, with son, Nathan; Pete J. Ademino with his significant other, Charissa Doolittle.

Les was preceded in death by his wife, Alice (Koski) Goodwin; his brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Vivian Koski; brother-in-law, Gordon Koski; his sister, Helen Treash and spouse, Walter Treash; and his brother, Kenneth Goodwin and wife, Nettie.

The family would like to thank the staff at Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti and Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice for their quality care of our father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. A special thank you goes to his dear neighbors and friends, Joe and Glenda Gray, and Janice Simpson. You brightened his life in so many ways throughout the years. And to Leslie Bek, from Little Friends, for her visits and friendship with Les.

No formal services will be held at this time.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Goodwin family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.