William Godber

Born in Wellman, Iowa on October 4, 1926
Departed on December 13, 2007. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

William "Bill" Burton Godber, 81, of 3807B Lexington Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, died Thursday night, Dec. 13, 2007, in his home after a long illness. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel. Private Family Services will be held Tuesday by the Rev. James Luders. Burial: Wednesday, Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bill was born Oct. 4, 1926, at home in rural Wellman, Iowa, to Oliver and Vida Godber.
The youngest of seven children, he graduated from Wellman High School in 1944.
Following graduation from high school he was among 200 17-year-olds to participate in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program at Coe College. The program
was discontinued following the war's end in 1945. Bill then attended Iowa
State University for a year. On June 12, 1948, he married Joan Kraft in Wellman.

This year they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

The couple moved to Freeport, Ill., where Bill worked for the Brown Shoe Co.
He continued working for the company in subsequent moves to Norfolk, Va.,
and Elmhurst, Ill. When they returned to Freeport, Bill started working for
Bob Zimmerman which eventually brought them to Cedar Rapids and employment
with Bob Zimmerman Ford. Bill continued repairing and selling cars as a
self-employed businessman until retiring in 1995.

Bill enjoyed camping. In the early years, with children, Bill and Joan
would spend many weekends camping in Wisconsin. As their children grew up,
camping trips were taken across the country. He liked music. He also liked
sports, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals when he was young,
and watching Sunday football on television.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan; their children, Ann Abbott Gabe of Beloit,
Wis., John Godber of Las Vegas, Nev., and Steve Cathy Godber,
Susan Moenck and David Godber, all of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren,
Mike Abbott, Brooke Hurt, Emilly Davis, Jessie and Matt Thompson
and Shane and Dylan Moenck; four great-grandchildren, Tyler,
Dylan, LeiAni and Marcus; one sister, Lucille Lattig of Lakeland,
Fla.; nieces and nephews; and members of Joan's family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tom; four sisters and a brother.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to St. Luke's Hospice, especially Carol, Peggy, Kim and Jim.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Luke's Hospice and the Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation

Service

Cemetery