Obituary of Gary G. Godeen

Gary Glen Godeen, 76, of Dalbo passed away at home with his family by his side on June 23, 2016. Gary was born in Grandy, MN to Glen Grant and Evelyn Lindgren on May 19, 1940. He attended rural Karmel school until he began high school in Cambridge. He met his bride to be, Nancy Pierce, in 1958, while rollerskating at Spectacle Lake. They were married on July 30, 1960. Gary and Nancy started their life together living in the city, but Gary missed farming and the country living. In 1966, they purchased their first home north of Cambridge, where they raised their three children Peggy, Susan and John. In 1981, the family moved to Gary’s home place. Gary was a certified master welder and roofed many barns and houses in the area. He enjoyed gardening, farming, trapping, fishing, hunting and feeding wildlife, especially the deer and birds. He was proud of his Swedish heritage. He and Carl Anderson traveled to Sweden in 2007. Gary visited his cousin and went to his grandfather Andrew Godeen’s homestead. Gary and Nancy enjoyed an Alaskan cruise with good friends in 2005. He spent time fishing, hunting, and sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his grandchildren. Gary passed along his knowledge through his magnificent stories he told his grandchildren. Gary was a loving husband and father and a wonderful grandpa. We will miss his smile, his sense of humor and his kindness to others. He was dedicated to his family and a hard worker. He was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Evelyn; great aunt Selma; great uncle Andrew, who lovingly raised him from a young boy; numerous aunts, cousins and many close friends. He is survived by his wife Nancy; children Peggy (Philip) Kalmes, Susan (Timothy) Kozelsky and John Godeen; grandchildren Paul (Cassie), Natalie and Trent Kalmes, Andrew and William Kozelsky and one great grandson Gabriel Kalmes. Gary’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to their family and friends who prayed, sent cards and visits. Also to, B’s Home Health Care and to the Heartland Hospice.