Nancy Carole Goodman (née Nietz)

Nancy Carole Goodman (née Nietz), a distinguished independent historian, author, and longtime advocate for preserving Minnesota history, passed away on June 9, 2026. She was 87.

Born in Owatonna, Minnesota, on July 27, 1938, Nancy graduated from Owatonna High School in 1956 before attending the University of Minnesota, where she studied journalism and advertising. It was there that she met Robert "Bob" Goodman. Their friendship quickly blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and the couple married on September 14, 1961.

In 1968, Nancy and Bob moved to Stillwater, where their shared passion for local history led them to begin researching the life of early Minnesota pioneer Joseph R. Brown. As they delved deeper into Brown's story, they uncovered numerous inaccuracies in the historical record, including details surrounding his travels and the establishment of the Town of Dahcotah in the Wisconsin Territory in 1839.

Their research took them throughout Minnesota and neighboring regions, uncovering long-forgotten stories about Brown and the communities he helped shape. Along the way, Nancy and Bob developed a love of travel, particularly to France, one of their favorite destinations. Nancy also discovered a fondness for seafood, which became one of life's simple pleasures.

Combining Nancy's exceptional writing talents with Bob's meticulous research skills, the couple produced several significant works of regional history. Their best-known publication, Joseph R. Brown: Adventurer on the Minnesota Frontier, 1820-1849, was published by Lone Oak Press. Other notable books authored by the Goodmans and available through the Washington County Historical Society include The Last Rafter, Washington County - A History, and In Their Own Words: Washington County Soldiers in the Civil War.

Nancy and Bob devoted countless volunteer hours to the Washington County Historical Society. Nancy served both as a Board member and Board Chair, while Bob chaired the organization's Endowment Committee. Together, they were enthusiastic supporters of the Washington County Heritage Center and were familiar faces at the Society's fundraising events and community programs.

In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to preserving and promoting local history, the Washington County Historical Society named its research facility the Nancy & Robert Goodman Research Center.

Bob died on June 29, 2020, ending a remarkable 59-year love affair with Nancy. A marriage and partnership defined by love, intellectual curiosity, and a shared dedication to preserving Minnesota's history.

Nancy's legacy lives on through her writings, her dedication to historical preservation, and the many lives she touched through her work and volunteer service. In accordance with her wishes, memorials are preferred to the Washington County Historical Society.