Robert Dee Godwin, 85, passed away July 7, 2018 in Ankeny. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Messiah Lutheran Church, Johnston, IA with burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Robert was born October 12, 1932 in Yale, IA to Harry and Viola (Dickey) Godwin. He graduated from Panora High School in 1952 and following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Robert married Mary Doris Roseke in 1956, sharing 62 amazing years together. He worked as truck driver for Bruce Motor Freight, Ace Lines, and R & R Welding. Additionally, he was the maintenance man for Holiday Lake. He built numerous boat docks, decks, roofed, and anything else anyone asked him to do.
Robert enjoyed spending time with his family, going to Holiday Lake to fish, celebrate July 4th, boat, help friends, build anything, have bonfires and tell stories over and better each time they were told, teaching many to ski, dancing with anyone, and playing sudoku. Robert and Mary spent 17 winters in Texas.
Robert is survived by his wife, Mary; five children, Janelle (Scott) Jones of Broomfield, CO, Douglas (Susan) Godwin of Ankeny, Kevin (Sharon) Godwin of Maxwell, Barbara (Bruce) Flickinger of Saint Charles, and Kendall (Shelly) Godwin of Dubuque; 16 grandchildren, Shawna (Kevin) Mitchell, Brad (Amy) Tomes, Amber (Bryan) Cartsen, Justin (Casee) Meyer, Robert Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Eric (Shaila) Godwin, Mathew (Julie) Johnson, Kelly Godwin, Lindsey (Matt) Monaco, Marah (Alex) Vanderen, Seth Godwin, Rachel Flickinger, Maranda (Emily) Peterson, Luke Flickinger, Jake Flickinger; 12 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Glessna Coulter and Lavon (Lloyd) Linn.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sarah Theresa Flickinger; parents; 7 brothers and 4 sisters.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Sunny View Care Center and Mercy Hospice staff for the loving care they showed not only to our dad but to all of us. They were Angels on earth.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny, in loving memory of our dad.
