Ward Goff

In Loving Memory of Ward Robert Goff October 26, 1941 – May 4, 2025

"A life well lived leaves a legacy of love."

Ward Robert Goff, of Delton, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 4th, surrounded by the family he cherished above all else.

Born on October 26, 1941, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Mary Maxine (Kirkpatrick) and Otis Ward Goff, Ward was the eldest of five siblings. He grew up in Portage and, after graduating from Portage High School, joined the U.S. Navy, where he also became a Golden Gloves boxing champion.

Following his service, Ward pursued a career in tool and die work, eventually founding Goff Tooling Systems alongside his father and brothers. He later co-founded Goff Product Corp with his wife, Penny, in Kalamazoo, and in 1986, the couple moved to Delton where Ward established Stoney Ridge Game Farm, Michigan's largest elk farm. He also relocated his tool and die company to Delton, renaming it GOFCO, which continues to operate today.

Ward was known for his generosity, strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Ward had many ventures including an ice cream shop, a driving range and a restaurant. He truly loved his community and strived to create opportunities for anyone willing to work.

His favorite hobbies included hunting, golfing, storytelling and mowing the lawn.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Jan, brother Roger, in-laws Vaud and Alice Shenefield, sisters-in-law Louise Gilbert and Phyllis Shenefield, brothers-in-law Bruce Gilbert and Sam Raimondo and nephews David Shenefield and Jonathon Goff.

He is survived by his beloved family: his wife of 54 years Penny (Shenefield), his daughters Julie (Kyle) Aukerman, Joely (Jesse) Lyons, Jill (Jason) Howland, Justie (Les) Brewer, brothers Mel (Ginny) Goff and Jerry (Linda) Goff, sister Luanne Raimondo, brother-in-law Tom (Sharon) Shenefield, grandchildren; Trent and Aubrey Aukerman, Delanie (Ryan) Watson, Josh, Josie, Jordan and Jalin Lyons, Carter, Avery and Tyler Howland and Anthony, Cody, Nolan and Zoe Brewer, one great grandchild Wrenly, two more great grandchildren on the way, many nieces and nephew, and his loyal dog Trooper. Ward had many achievements throughout his life, but the one he was fondest and proudest of was his family.

A celebration of life will be held on July 20th from 3-6pm at Grove Street Café in Delton. The family invites all who knew Ward to join in commemorating a life well-lived and to share in their memories and stories of a man who made the world a better place.