John A. Godar
November 5, 1919 — December 9, 2009
John Alfred Godar, formerly of Marion, IA, died at the Iowa Veteran’s Home on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at the age of 90. Funeral Mass: 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 14, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion, by Father John Gossman, with military rites provided by Marion American Legion Post #298. The family will greet friends 4:30 ?" 8:30 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2009, at the church, where a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Private family burial to take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
John was born to John and Nellie (Devine) Godar in Hardin, IL, on November 5, 1919, joining siblings, Eloise and Ruth. Later, his brother, Fred was born. Growing up along the Illinois River, John had a love of nature and began learning the carpenter trade from his grandfather, Albro Devine.
During WWII, John enlisted in the Army and served as a Staff-Sergeant in England, North Africa, and Italy.
Returning to the states, John went to trade school in St. Louis, MO. There he met his future wife, Mary Dorothy Pospishil, the daughter of Ed and Florence (Postel) Pospishil from Martelle, IA. On June 17, 1947, John and Mary were married and recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.
John and Mary moved to Cedar Rapids, where John was employed as a Master Carpenter, and eventually as a Superintendent. In 1956 John and Mary moved to Marion and lived there for 54 years. They had 13 children, 27 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. They were long time members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Marion American Legion Post #298, and were active supporters of their children and grandchildren’s activities. John and Mary lived at the Iowa Veteran’s Home since February of 2007.
John was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Eloise. Left to remember his gifts of life are his wife, Mary Dorothy; children, Terrance (Wanda) Godar of PA, Catherine (Terry) Kauffman of Brattleboro, VT, Maureen Godar of Hiawatha, Jane Godar (Mike) Kreiter of Overland Park, KS, Ann (Joe) Nicholson of Cedar Rapids, Mark (Donna) Godar of Grinnell, Matthew (Margie) Godar of Houston, TX, Theresa (Ken) Walton of Marshalltown, Luke Godar of Oskaloosa, Patrick (Cherie) Godar of Madison, WI, Steve (Ann) Godar of Marion, Ed Godar of Marion, and John (Colleen) Godar of Marion; brother, Fred (Betty) Godar of Florissant, MO; and sister, Ruth Schaberg of St. Charles, MO.
Memorials may be directed to Iowa Veteran’s Home at: 1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, IA, 50158, in memory of John.
John was born to John and Nellie (Devine) Godar in Hardin, IL, on November 5, 1919, joining siblings, Eloise and Ruth. Later, his brother, Fred was born. Growing up along the Illinois River, John had a love of nature and began learning the carpenter trade from his grandfather, Albro Devine.
During WWII, John enlisted in the Army and served as a Staff-Sergeant in England, North Africa, and Italy.
Returning to the states, John went to trade school in St. Louis, MO. There he met his future wife, Mary Dorothy Pospishil, the daughter of Ed and Florence (Postel) Pospishil from Martelle, IA. On June 17, 1947, John and Mary were married and recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.
John and Mary moved to Cedar Rapids, where John was employed as a Master Carpenter, and eventually as a Superintendent. In 1956 John and Mary moved to Marion and lived there for 54 years. They had 13 children, 27 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. They were long time members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Marion American Legion Post #298, and were active supporters of their children and grandchildren’s activities. John and Mary lived at the Iowa Veteran’s Home since February of 2007.
John was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Eloise. Left to remember his gifts of life are his wife, Mary Dorothy; children, Terrance (Wanda) Godar of PA, Catherine (Terry) Kauffman of Brattleboro, VT, Maureen Godar of Hiawatha, Jane Godar (Mike) Kreiter of Overland Park, KS, Ann (Joe) Nicholson of Cedar Rapids, Mark (Donna) Godar of Grinnell, Matthew (Margie) Godar of Houston, TX, Theresa (Ken) Walton of Marshalltown, Luke Godar of Oskaloosa, Patrick (Cherie) Godar of Madison, WI, Steve (Ann) Godar of Marion, Ed Godar of Marion, and John (Colleen) Godar of Marion; brother, Fred (Betty) Godar of Florissant, MO; and sister, Ruth Schaberg of St. Charles, MO.
Memorials may be directed to Iowa Veteran’s Home at: 1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, IA, 50158, in memory of John.
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