Carmen Dale Good, 84, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2025 at home. Born in LaPorte, Indiana on November 12, 1941, Carmen moved with his family during his school years between Kouts, Wheatfield and North Judson in Indiana and Blountstown, Florida, graduating from Kouts High School in 1960. He studied music at Goshen College a few years, interrupting his time there for voluntary service in New York, where he met his wife of 59 years, Judy (Schwartz) Good. Carmen joined up with his brother, Jerry, and father, Leonard Good, in their construction business, Good and Sons Builders, which he later continued as Carmen Good Builders. Raised in the Mennonite Church, Carmen and Judy helped start the Valparaiso Mennonite Church where Carmen actively served as elder and chorister for many years.
Carmen was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Rachel Good, brother, Robert Good, and grandchildren, Lia and Mason. He is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Rona (John), Cory (Penny), Chris (Lindsay), and Dora (Patrick); eleven grandchildren: Josh, Tayleur, Tristan, Anne, Brooke, Grace, Sydney, Fenja, Cole, Liam, and Alida; eleven great-children: Bella, Jordanne, Zara, Judah, Aria, Sharona, Bjorn, Flannery, Dorothie, Amelia, and Merlin; and siblings Glen, Jerry, and Brenda.
Carmen led a full life, anchored in his faith in Jesus, which impacted everything he did. He prioritized loving and caring for his family well and will be remembered for his active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. While his job was building homes and commercial buildings, in his heart he was a builder of relationships. Often said of Carmen is that he never knew a stranger. He and Judy are known for their generosity of money, hospitality, and time. They befriended and opened their home to many who needed housing in various situations, including many international students. Carmen and Judy also served on many international short-term mission trips (Nicaragua, Jamaica, Congo) and relief efforts in the U.S. (south Texas and Kansas), sharing the love of Christ with whomever they encountered. Carmen had a passion for singing, which he shared as a chorister in Mennonite church for many years, singing in various choirs, quartets, and performing in a couple of local musicals.
A lifetime learner and adventurer, Carmen acquired his private pilot license in the late 1970’s and enjoyed sharing his love of flying with family and friends. He and Judy also travelled throughout the world, visiting family and many international friends in their home countries. Carmen built many things in his lifetime—homes, friendships, and a family grounded in love and faith. His legacy is not only in what he constructed with his hands, but in the people he shaped with his kindness, authentic curiosity, meaningful encouragement, and steady presence. His life reminded others what it looks like to love without condition, give without hesitation, and welcome without question. We will miss him deeply, but we are grateful for the enduring mark he has left on all of us.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Liberty Bible Church 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 4:00 PM. Private family graveside service will be held at Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery, Kouts. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Mission Aviation Fellowship.
GUESTBOOK
Judy, I am so sorry to hear of Carmen‘s passing, but know that Carmen transitioned to his heavenly home & know that he will be now completely healed and in heaven with his savior and our Lord. He and you, were both such a light to Gary and I in our years at liberty Bible. Thanks for being our friends. My husband Gary passed away in June 2018. -Jeanne Sanders
Dear Judy and family, Please accept our sincere condolences. Our hearts hurt for your loss, yet rejoice knowing Carmen sees his Lord and Savior. No doubt he was greeted in Heaven by the greeting, “ Welcome home, my Good and Faithful servant. You are loved, come sit at my table.” We loved Carmen too although we knew you both for just a few years. He was so kind and love sparkled in his beautiful eyes. God bless you all. -Bobbi J Foster
Judy & Family, On behalf of myself and family, we want to extend our condolences to you all. Carmen & Judy were the first couple to reach out to Judy & myself when we first arrived in Valparaiso and we were friends thereafter and our kids became friends as well. Will continue to pray for you all over the next weeks and months. -Daniel Bontrager
We first met Carmen and Judy at the beginning of our retirement when we started spending winters in Florida. It was there on our first Sunday that Carmen (seated behind us) said, "let's go to lunch." So typical. Our friendships grew strong, sharing much laughter, fun, and travel as well as music and small group singing. Two special trips we took together were highlights in our lives as well as on Carmen's "bucket list": a trip to China just before Covid; and a trip to Turkey "following the footsteps of Paul." I will never forget Carmen singing as part of a quartet, in the ancient ruins of an amphitheater at Ephesus where the sound carried up to the sky and beyond. Sing on, our friend! -Earl and Cindie Toman
Carmen was one of the first contractors to give me a break in my construction career. I always enjoyed working for him and Mrs. Good. My sincere condolences go out to the entire family. -David Vass
