Dr. Gerald K. Goodenough, MD, MSPH
Dr. Gerald K. Goodenough, MD, MSPH passed away on May 24, 2025, at home with his wife at his side.
Gerald was born on June 13, 1942.
A Celebration of Gerald’s Life took place at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 1345 S Foothills Dr, SLC, Utah, on Wednesday, June 4th, from 4 p.m.–7 p.m.
Please give donations to the University of Colorado Medical School in lieu of flowers. Donation information will be at the Celebration.
Gerald is preceded in death by: Parents, George and Lilly Goodenough; brother, Denny Goodenough; brother-in-law, Michael Keil; and son-in-law, Patrick Kartchner.
He is survived by: Julie Goodenough (spouse); children: Geoff Goodenough, Jason Goodenough, Lisa Goodenough-Gordon (Randy Gordon), Heather Goodenough (Shane Chadwick), Tiffany Goodenough (D-Patrick Kartchner); stepdaughters: Janelle Hole (Curtis Harris), Juanita Hole; siblings: Verda Keil (D-Michael), and Larry Goodenough. He is also survived by 12 wonderful grandchildren. Gerald grew up on a dairy farm in a small town in Idaho. He enjoyed the outdoors with a constant companion, his horse Dove. Many who knew Gerald (fondly known as Doc) had great admiration for his knowledge and exceptional skills as a doctor. He was board certified in Family Practice and Geriatrics. He not only possessed great skills as a doctor, but was also a talented actor, speaker, and educator. Early in his college life, Gerald majored in theater and received many accolades for his acting in various plays. However, his true love was in the sciences with a desire to become a doctor and researcher. Gerald earned his medical degree at the University of Colorado, & residency at Duke University. After 12 years of private practice in his hometown in Malad Idaho, Gerald accepted a fellowship at the University of Utah, where he practiced medicine and taught residents for many years, along with taking classes to receive his MSPH. During his years at the U of U, he became tenured and received a variety of awards. In the late ’90s, he was asked to assist in creating a Family Practice Residency at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. From there, Gerald continued his medical career at St. Mark’s Hospital in SLC and later in Pocatello, ID. He, his wife Julie, and stepdaughter Juanita moved to their ranch in Idaho. There, they cultivated the land and raised beef cattle for many years. Gerald has left a broad and lasting legacy for future generations. Gerald was also known for his humorous and imaginative lifestyle. SpongeBob SquarePants was a fun outlet that he shared with family and grandchildren.
Gerald was adamant that the genetic disease he was diagnosed with at age 50—Hemochromatosis—be mentioned in his obituary. This had a lasting impact on his health. He wanted people to be aware of it, especially the Welsh population, who are known to have a higher risk of having Hemochromatosis. Early detection is imperative for better long-term outcomes in a person’s health.