Walter Paul Goff

East Lansing

East Lansing - Walter P Goff was born in Lansing, MI on January 6, 1943 to W. Ray and Bertha Goff. Walt graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1960 and enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1963. He spent his entire career working in the grocery business. He started working at Townsend's Shop Rite during high school and in 1966, he bought into the partnership of the Shop Rite Development Company. He served as manager of the Haslett Shop Rite. In 1972, he became the sole owner of the Haslett Shop Rite. In 1982, the name was changed to Goff Food Stores and he proceeded to open 4 more grocery stores in Carriage Hills, St. Johns, Holt and Okemos, MI. Walt retired from the grocery business in 1998. As a business owner, Walt believed in giving back to his community. Goff Food Stores sponsored Goff Days at the Potter Park Zoo and the MSU Women's Volleyball Team.

Walt served on the board of the Oven Fresh Baking Company and East Lansing State Bank. He was also a charter member of the Haslett Kiwanis Club, served as President of the Sapphire Lake Homeowners Association for 18 years, was a volunteer at the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers for 15 years, and was a member of Peoples Church in East Lansing.

Walt had a love of fishing, MSU football and basketball, travel and his family. Walt is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eleanor (Foreman) Goff, brother Robert (Carol) Goff, daughter Julie (David) Gwisdalla of Fort Thomas, KY, son Jeffrey Goff of Washington DC, grandson Gavin Gwisdalla and granddaughter Ava Gwisdalla.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823. Family will receive guests from 2pm-5pm. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 11am at The Peoples Church, 200 W Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Expressions to the family may be left at www.greastlansing.com