LIME SPRINGS — Anita Goodman, 91, of Lime Springs, entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work and unconditional love for her family. A devoted farm wife, gifted homemaker and lifelong servant of her church, Anita spent decades quietly enriching the lives of those around her through her generosity, kindness and steadfast Christian faith.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Saratoga Community Church. Visitation will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, one hour before the service. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs. Memorials may be directed to Saratoga Community Church or Howard County Community Hospice.
Born Anita Marie Brandt on March 6, 1935, in rural Bremer County, she was the fourth of six children born to John and Amanda (Thies) Brandt. Her life took an unexpected turn when she accepted a job caring for the three young children of widower Corwin Goodman. What began as a position as their nanny soon blossomed into something much greater. Anita developed a deep bond with the children, and Corwin came to believe she was the answer to his prayers. The couple married on Sept. 1, 1961, and together welcomed two more children, building a loving family of five.
Anita embraced the life of a farm wife with remarkable dedication. She maintained a large vegetable garden, preserving much of the harvest through canning and freezing so her family could enjoy the fruits of her labor throughout the year. Her kitchen was known for the aroma of homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes and cookies. She delighted in making each visitor’s favorite dessert, ensuring family and friends always felt welcomed and cherished.
Her talents extended well beyond the kitchen. Anita was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed sewing, embroidery, knitting and crocheting, creating countless handmade treasures for those she loved.
Faith remained the cornerstone of Anita’s life. She devoted many years to teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Saratoga Presbyterian Church, helping guide generations of children in their Christian faith. As an active member of the Presbyterian Women’s group, she joined fellow church members in making quilts for mission work, combining her craftsmanship with her desire to serve others.
Her family finds comfort in the belief that Anita’s years of faithful service were rewarded on July 26, when she entered the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ. They remember her as a woman whose life reflected quiet strength, unwavering faith and selfless love.
Anita is survived by her children, Allen (Donna) Goodman of Sierra Vista, Arizona; Michael (Suzanne) Goodman of Ventura, California; Marie (Randy) Hinz of Lexington, South Carolina; Brian Goodman of Lime Springs; and Doris (Mark) Brosz of Andover, Kansas. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Brandt of Waverly; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Corwin Goodman; her parents; daughter-in-law Connie Goodman; siblings Edna Anhalt, Eldo Brandt, Vernon Brandt and Leslie Brandt; along with several nieces and nephews.
Schmelzer Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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