Edith Viola Goodnature, age 82, of Owatonna, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at the Cedarview Nursing Home, Owatonna.

She was born March 21, 1920, in Geneva Township, Freeborn County, the daughter of Fred and Alice (Rasmussen) Thompsen. Edith married Michael Goodnature on Nov. 24, 1943 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newry Township. Edith lived in the Geneva/Blooming Prairie area until moving to Owatonna in 1967. Edith worked at Spurgeon’s for 20-1/2 years until their closing. She dedicated herself to volunteering and helping others. She volunteered her time at the Lincoln School, Arts Center and Cedarview Nursing Home. Edith loved all animals. She was especially fond of all of her family dogs.

Survivors include son, Paul Goodnature of Hollandale; daughter, Susan Goodnature and Dr. Joel Montbriand of Boulder, Colo.; two grandchildren: Tom and Chris; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Thompsen; her mother, Alice Rasmussen; her husband, Michael; son, Thomas; four brothers; her infant sister; and one sister.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna, today, Feb. 26, from 5-8 p.m., and on Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The Rev. Dennis Pettyjohn of St. John Lutheran will be officiating. Inurnment will be in the Geneva Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Habitat for Humanity or Steele County Animal Shelter.