Melvin Godfrey

Melvin Frank Godfrey was born March 19, 1921 at Cherokee, Iowa to William and Edna (Small) Godfrey and passed away on February 13, 2013 at Lake Park, Iowa. He attended school at Washta and Grand Meadow until moving with his family to Excelsior Township south of Lake Park in 1938. He graduated from the Excelsior Cons. School that spring. He served in the United States Navy from 1944-1946 running a tug boat in San Diego Harbor. On returning to civilian life, he started farming in Excelsior Township. He was united in marriage to Pearl Hass on October 15, 1947, and they were blessed with one daughter, Geralene Grace. He joined the Silver Park Lodge #616 Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1953. He later became a member of Silver Star Rebekah Lodge #431. He served as Noble Grand of his lodge, then 40 years as Secretary. He served two terms as Grand Guardian of the Grand Lodge of Iowa and 20 years on the Grand Lodge Finance Committee, servings also as Farm Manager. He was a member of the Dickinson County Farm Bureau. He was an active member of the Excelsior United Methodist Church. Melvin retired from farming in 1985, but enjoyed assisting his son-in-law for several years with harvest. He enjoyed playing pool with his friends, keeping score for horseshoe and playing cards. A special joy and pride is his granddaughter, Carrie Shuck. Melvin passed away February 13, 2013 at the Lake Park Care Center in Lake Park, Iowa at ninety-one years of age. He is survived by his wife, Pearl; daughter and son-in-law, Geralene and Joe Shuck; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Hass and Ruby Hass; granddaughter, Carrie Shuck; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna Godfrey; brother, Duane Godfrey; sisters, Shirley Zancanella and Anna Mae Winters