Peter “Pete” Godbersen
Peter T. “Pete” Godbersen, 85, of rural Quimby, passed away peacefully Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society in Holstein, Iowa.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 15 at Oakdale Evangelical Free Church in rural Meriden, Iowa. The Rev. Don Meyer officiated.
Burial of the cremains was in the Quimby Cemetery at Quimby, with military rites by L.A. Wescott Post 2253 of the V.F.W. There was a family prayer service at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Online condolences can be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Pete was born March 1, 1933 in Ida Grove, Iowa to Theodor and Catharena (Petersen) Godbersen. He graduated from Galva High School in 1951.
He enlisted in the United States Army in May 1953. He did his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for heavy machinery operation of tanks, road graders, and backhoes. He served during the Korean Conflict, being honorably discharged as a corporal in April 1955.
Pete was married to Rose Esther Todd on March 16, 1958 at Holstein, Iowa.
Pete farmed all his life. He had also worked for Simonsens as a feed truck driver.
He purchased land in 1968 and milked Holstein cows for 42 years from 1959 until 2001. At that time he started going to coffee with his friends, since he had a little extra time on his hands. On March 1, 2018, he semi-retired from farming but retained his position as chief adviser for the farming operation.
He loved his life on the farm. He enjoyed reading western novels, watching old westerns on TV, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards and checkers, sitting outside at the picnic table and going to the Family Table for a hot beef sandwich.
He is survived by his four children: Bryan (Brenda) Godbersen of Rock Valley, Iowa; Bruce (Cindy) Godbersen of Cleghorn, Iowa; Brad Godbersen of Sioux City, and Becky (Greg) Hoffarth of Shakopee, Minnesota; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren: Josh and Ashley Godbersen of George, Iowa, with Hailey and Kolton; Julie and Jason Baumgarn of Lake Park, Iowa, with Jackson, Javen and Jausten; Jeri Kruger of Sheldon, Iowa, with Charlee and Chandler; Scott and Desiree Godbersen of Neosho, MO, with Kaylin and Kaleb; Todd Godbersen of Hopkins, Minnesota; Russ (Sara) Godbersen of Le Mars, Iowa, with Theodor; and Phillip and Nathan Hoffarth of Shakopee; sisters Elvera Todd of Holstein, Iowa; Mary Gebers of Holstein; Janet Rehse of Ida Grove, Iowa; and Judy (Duane) Johnston of Brandon, Florida; sisters-in-law Donna Godbersen of Cherokee; Donna Todd of Spencer, Iowa; and Delores I. Todd of Holstein; brothers-in-law Donald (Delores J.) Todd of Quimby, Clarence (Bernice) Todd of Quimby, Frank (Carolyn) Todd of Holstein, Gail (Nancy) Todd of Holstein, and Ken (Janie) Todd of Quimby; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose on Nov. 20, 2012; a daughter-in-law, Sandy Godbersen; a brother, Wilbert Godbersen; sisters Caroline Niemeier and Lorraine Bertlesen Dose; brothers-in-law Gerhardt Niemeier, Darrell Gebers, Darrel Todd, Walter Rehse, Albert Dose, Louis Bertlesen, Ralph, Eugene and Dale Todd; and sisters-in-law Gladys Todd, Agnes (Leroy) Boock and Eva (Robert) Dittmer.
