Louis "Uncle Louie" Goffett

Louis D. Goffett, "Uncle Louie", 89, of Iron Mountain, died Mon. Dec. 13, 2010 at Freeman's Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in Kingsford. He was born on July 31, 1921 in Iron Mountain, the son of the late Louis and Josephine (Bacco) Goffett. As a young man, he loved to play the accordion, and since money wasn’t plentiful, he did odd jobs, including a paper route to earn money for his accordion and supplies. At the age of 16 he started playing in local establishments. After graduating from Iron Mountain High School and a difference of opinion with his dad, Louie decided to go out on his own. With a $20 bill and a Model A, he left Iron Mountain and ended up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He entertained in Idaho for three months and then went on to Montana before becoming homesick. He ended up taking the Greyhound home with $5 in his hand. Upon his return to Iron Mountain he started playing with the Aristocrats of Rhythm with Phil & Tony Doda and Fonsie Secinaro. When the band broke up he played solo at many area clubs including the Silo in Spread Eagle and with Roy Johnson at the area’s dance halls. Louie then ventured on to Chicago, where he married the love of his life Jeannette Kassin on May 16, 1942 in a Civil Ceremony. When their families found they had married in a civil ceremony they insisted the marriage be blessed by the church, but Louis was in Australia with the Navy so they were married again by proxy. When he returned from the service they had their marriage blessed by the church again so he could be there in person. Louis and Jeannette also renewed their vows on their 25th & 50th anniversaries. Louie enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he was a Machinist Mate First Class. He worked in the ships engine room but he spent his free time entertaining the crew with his accordion. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, the American Area Ribbon and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon 1 Star. His ship traveled to such places as Trinidad, Cuba, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Australia, and he was in Tokyo Bay when the treaty with Japan was signed. In 1950 Louie went to Music College in Chicago where he taught as many as 100 students a week. He had accordion bands which won awards in several competitions. When he returned back to this area, he taught music to students at many area schools and at the studio in his home on the East Side of Iron Mountain. His students ranged in age from 3 to 80 years of age. He taught piano, organ, accordion, guitar, drums, violin and various band instruments. Many of his students have gone on to have successful careers in Music themselves. He also played for many events and parties at the Chippewa Club. Uncle Louie’s career spanned a total of fifty years and 46 New Year’s Eve performances. He retired so he could spend more time with his love Jeannette after being away from her playing for parties for so many weekends. He came out of retirement for one final performance at his granddaughter Nanette’s wedding. Louie also had a strong faith and was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, where he helped run Bingo. Louis spent many hours with Jeannette watching his Great Grandchildren and taking walks with their dog Penny. Louie also enjoyed playing cards, especially Smear and Cribbage, and had played in many tournaments. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jeannette, one daughter Heddy Lou (Mark Evrard) Pearson of Kingsford, two grandchildren Nanette (Jeff) Sjoquist of Kingsford and Brian (Lisa) Pearson of Iron Mountain, five great grandchildren Brad Sjoquist, Dan Sjoquist, Randi Pearson, Holly Pearson, and Dillon Uren, and nieces nephews. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Goffett & Josephine (Goffett) Pesavento, a step father John Pesavento, and two sisters Eileen and Lucille. Visitation will be Mon, December 20, from 9:30-11:00 am at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral services will follow at 11am at the church. Father Paul Nomellini will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Louis "Uncle Louie" Goffett can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with arrangements.

Louis "Uncle Louie" Goffett

July 31, 1921 - December 13, 2010