Memorial
Marshall Henry Godwin, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on April 10, 2026. He was born on November 26, 1949, in Washington, Iowa.
Marshall graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids in 1968 and served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973 as a jet engine mechanic, including duty stations in Puerto Rico and Thailand during the Vietnam era. He went on to spend more than 50 years in the Godwin family restaurant, catering, and hospitality business, where he was known for his charisma, humor, and ability to make people feel welcome. Marshall had a knack for making people laugh, for better or worse. As he often told his children and staff, “Keep it a class act.”
Marshall had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found peace later in life at “The Barn,” generously shared by his dear friends Gordon and Lisa Peterson. There, he enjoyed mushroom hunting, cutting and stocking firewood, taking Bush Hog rides, tending his epic burn piles, and spending time with his beloved dogs, Misha and Lily, who ran freely by his side.
His faith and commitment to sobriety were important parts of his life, helping him navigate both the challenges and the changes he faced over the years.
Marshall shared a special life with his wife, Mary. Later in life, they found each other, welcomed their daughter, Lanessa, and built a close, blended family. Their home was known for its warmth, hospitality, and gatherings with family and friends.
He was especially proud of his children, Paul and Lanessa, giving them the freedom to find their own paths while always being there to support and steady them along the way.
He is survived by his children, Paul (Doug) and Lanessa; his siblings, Ronald; Dennis (Rick); Laurie Erlacher, widow of John Erlacher; Brian (Mary); Amy (Jeff Pick); and Mark; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Godwin (Brant), mother of Lanessa; his former wife, Ida Mae Barker (Hanlon), mother of Paul; his parents, Henry “Hank” and Catherine (Mottet) Godwin; and his sister, Deborah Godwin.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m., with lunch to follow at the Flamingo. All who knew Marshall are welcome to attend.
The family would like to thank Suncrest Hospice for their care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fellowship Club https://fellowshipclubcr.org