Gretchen Jean Struck Goodwin, 87, of Rock Island, Illinois, died peacefully on July 10, 2026, at Charter Senior Living of Moline.

Gretchen was born on July 26, 1938, and grew up in Clarion, Iowa. She was the only child of Percy and Isabel Jackson Struck. She graduated from Clarion High School and attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she met Don Goodwin of Wellman, Iowa.

Gretchen and Don were married in February 1957. As Don continued his education and became a teacher and school administrator, they lived in several communities in Iowa and Illinois before settling in Rock Island in 1971.

Gretchen worked as a substitute teacher and later for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance. She then enjoyed a long career with Roadway Express, serving as district secretary and as account manager for Tone’s Spices before retiring.

Gretchen and Don loved to travel, often choosing places where Don could fish while Gretchen relaxed nearby with a beautiful view, sunshine and a good book. Among their favorite destinations were Algoma and Door County, Wisconsin; Cedar Key, Florida; and Pick City, North Dakota.

Gretchen loved gardening, and her beautiful Rock Island yard was once featured in the Quad-City Times. She also loved music, gave piano lessons and performed with the Sweet Adelines. Gretchen and Don were devoted Iowa Hawkeye fans. They especially enjoyed wrestling and traveled throughout the Midwest to cheer on the Hawkeye wrestlers. They also held football season tickets for many years. For decades, they played bridge with longtime friends and enjoyed hosting bridge parties in their home.

After Don’s death in 2008, Gretchen served as a grief counselor. Through that work, she met a group of friends who continued to gather for lunches and movies for many years.

Gretchen’s greatest joy was her family. She especially delighted in her close relationship with her grandson Jack and treasured the time they spent watching movies together. She also loved working in her garden and caring for her dogs, Dewey and Petey, both of whom were cherished companions.

Gretchen is survived by her son, Steve Goodwin, and his wife, Leila; her daughter, Julie Dahl, and her husband, Scott; her beloved grandson, Jack Searle Jr.; her stepgrandson, Kody Dahl, and his wife, Melissa; and great-grandchildren Owen, Mason and Konnor.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences online at www.mvcremation.com.