Paul Eugene Goodburn

Paul Eugene Goodburn, age 87, of Munising, died on Thursday morning, April 10, 2025 at the Medilodge in Munising following a lengthy illness. He was born in Yankton, South Dakota on March 27, 1938 to Norris and Ethel (Lee) Goodburn. Paul grew up in the Yankton area and after graduation from high school in 1956, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard. Paul transitioned his service from the Guard to the United States Army on November 13, 1958. He served with the 1st Howitzer Battalion 36th Artillery in Germany. He was honorably discharged with commendations on November 7, 1960. Paul graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting Degree from the University of South Dakota and took a job with a C.P.A. firm in Moline, Illinois. He then took a role with J.C. Penney in 1966. While working in Moline, he met Arlene Nesberg. They were married on September 3, 1967 and together raised their three sons. Paul’s career, promotions, and opportunities took his family all around the country. They lived in Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Paul worked as an internal auditor for JCPenney where he earned his Certified Internal Auditor designation. He served JC Penney for thirty-two years before his retirement in 1998. While in Schaumburg, he served as the president of the Chicago Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors. After retirement, he and Arlene returned to her hometown of Munising, Michigan. After their move, Paul adopted Munising as home and it was a place that he loved. He was a member of the Eden Lutheran Church, American Legion, and active with the Democratic Party of Alger County. He enjoyed camping with his sons when they were young, fishing, antiquing with Arlene, and refinishing old furniture. Paul and Arlene were married over fifty-seven years when she preceded him in death on February 7, 2025. Paul will be missed for his kind and warm personality and positive outlook on life by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Paul is survived by their sons and daughters-in-law – Matthew and Jacqui Goodburn of Hickory, PA, Jonathan and Rachel Goodburn of Carmel, IN, and Grant and Tracy Goodburn of Douglasville, GA; four grandsons – Maxwell (21), Grant (19), Reed (17), and Aiden (15); brother – Lee (Clara Jean) Goodburn; sister-in-law – Sally Negilski; numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlene, brother Jim (Carol) Goodburn, and brother-in-law John Negilski.

Private family services will be held, and interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising where he and Arlene will be buried next to each other. Military honors will be rendered at that time.