Juan Goderich

Juan Goderich, 89, of Dousman, WI (formerly of Miami, FL), passed away peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2016, surrounded by family. Juan was born to Roberto Goderich and Josefa Caizares Goderich, on November 6, 1926, in Santiago de Cuba, Oriente Cuba. Juan married the love of his life, Elsa Goderich, on December 23, 1950. Juan and Elsa started their family in Santiago de Cuba, where Juan owned and managed a dairy farm and butcher shop. In May 1962, Juan made a very brave and selfless decision to leave Cuba, in order to escape Communist persecution and provide freedom for his family (in the United States). Juan and his family came to Waukesha, WI, in 1963 as Cuban refugees, sponsored by St. Matthias Episcopal Church. As they raised their family, Juan worked his way to foreman at Eskimo Pie Corp. In 1976, Juan and Elsa moved to Miami, FL, to be closer to their Cuban culture and pursue their dream of opening a daycare. They owned and managed “Trail to the World” daycare until 2004. Over the years, Juan has aided many family and friends as they migrated to the U.S. (from Cuba). Juan is survived by his daughter, Grisell (Tom) Goderich-Goodness; son, Roberto Goderich; sister, Letvia Arza; Grandchildren, Angela (Matt), Bud, Robert, Marissa (Eric), Kersten and Briana; Great-Grandchildren, Nathan, Skye, Michael and Weston; along with many nieces/nephews and other close relatives and friends. Juan was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elsa; his parents, Roberto and Josefa; his mother-and-father-in-law, Evaristo and Ines; his brother, Evelio; brother-in-law, Reinaldo; sister-in-law, Romelia and daughter-in-law, Kim. The family would like to give a special thank you to ProCare (Dawn and Laura) for all the exceptional care and support over the last several years. Also, thank you to Waukesha Memorial Hospital and Lake Country Health & Rehab Center. Juan’s wishes are to be cremated. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 10am, Saturday, March 12th (36014 Sunset Dr, Dousman, WI 53118; at the corner of Hwy 18 & Hwy67). Pagenkopf Funeral Home is serving the family. Juan was a very proud, courageous, hardworking, loving and extremely generous man. He was the greatest husband, father and grandfather (“Champa”). He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.