Harold William Godeke

Harold W. Godeke, 91, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at River Pointe Health Campus. He was born on September 15, 1932 on the family farm in Campbell Township near Elberfeld, Indiana to the late William and Margaret (Schaperjohn) Godeke. Following graduation from Millersburg High School, Harold served in the Army with the 259th Guided Missile Battalion during the Korean War. He graduated from Evansville College (now the University of Evansville) in 1957 with his Bachelor of Arts in Education. He earned his Master of Arts in School Administration in 1959 from Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University). After teaching in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation for 41 years at Oak Hill and Harper Schools, he retired in 1998. During his childhood on the dairy farm with his twelve siblings, he learned the value of a strong faith, a loving family, a good meal, and a hard day's work. He also acquired many skills on the farm, including growing just about anything and fixing everything with judicious use of binder twine, wire, glue, and small pieces of wood. He loved the outdoors and was a skillful gardener and woodworker. He enjoyed genealogy and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His incredible patience and compassion for children were demonstrated in his chosen career as an elementary school teacher and school counselor. He continued to serve children and their families after his retirement by volunteering on the Wednesday crew at Habitat for Humanity and transporting children and their families to Shriners Children’s St. Louis Hospital. During his many years as an active member at Trinity United Methodist Church, he served on the trustees, the landscape committee, and the Methodist Men. He was also a long-time member of the Indiana Freemasons and the Hadi Hospital Staff. Harold is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce (Hittner); children, Judy (Brad) Kicklighter and Patty (John) Wiseman; grandchildren, Ryan Wiseman, Ben Kicklighter, Allison Wiseman, and Meg Kicklighter; sisters, Dorothy Menke and Marian Miller; brother, Ray Godeke; sister-in-law Zoe Hittner; brothers-in-law, Wayne Drilling and Bill Young; and 26 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret (Schaperjohn) Godeke; sisters, Mildred Hahn, Mabel Blythe, Elsie Foerster, Wilma Drilling, Edna Kuhlenschmidt, Doris Young, and Evelyn Rettinger; brothers, Carl Godeke and Emil Godeke; sisters-in-law Bettye Godeke, Marie Godeke, Doris Ann Godeke, and Helen East; and brothers-in-law Ed Hahn, Jim Blythe, Bob Foerster, Edgar Kuhlenschmidt, Lester Menke, Herman Rettinger, Bill Miller, Charles East, and Bob Hittner. The family would like to thank the compassionate staff of River Pointe Health Campus and St. Croix Hospice for their care and dedication. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 at 4 p.m. with visitation beginning at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Evansville. A burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, 560 E Diamond Ave, Evansville, IN 47711, Trinity United Methodist Church, 216 SE 3rd St, Evansville, IN 47713, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made online at www.alexandereastchapel.com.