Harry Eugene Godtel

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Nov. 1, 1912 - Feb. 1, 2007

Harry Eugene Godtel died Feb. 1, 2007, at Community Hospital in McCook at the age of 94.

He was born Nov. 1, 1912, in a sodhouse on the Henry Godtel farm three miles north of Culbertson. He was the son of the late Henry and Nellie (Cox) Godtel.

He attended District No. 6 School, then he graduated from Culbertson High School in 1931.

On May 10, 1933, Harry married Gladys Gloria Roberts at her childhood home. They purchased the Robert's farm, raised their family and lived there until 1979. They moved to Culbertson and continued to farm with their son, Ramon until 1993, when the farm was sold. They moved to McCook in 2006.

Harry served on the District 2 School Board, the Federal Land Bank Board and the Co-op board. He was a faithful 75 year member of the Culbertson Trinity United Methodist Church. During this time he taught Sunday School, was an active member of the UMM, and for more than sixty years sang in the church choir.

He was a handy-man. When he was younger he competed in sports in high school. He held the Frenchman Valley Conference long jump record for over twenty years. He told the story of when he was a Senior at Culbertson High School and qualified for the State Track Meet. Since the track meet and his commencement exercises were at the same time, he was told that if he went to the track meet he would not graduate.

He enjoyed auctions. He wanted to be an auctioneer when he was young but his family didn't have the money to send him to school. When the farm sold in 1993, Johnny Walker gave Harry the opportunity to fulfill his dream. He auctioned his 1948 truck. After the farm was sold, Harry helped Johnny at auctions. Not auctioneering, but he was able to be around what he enjoyed. He finally completely retired at the age of 90.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, on Nov. 10, 2006; his parents; one daughter, Belva Kautz in 1975; two brothers, William and Glen; and two sisters, Rose and Lucile.

Survivors include one daughter, Bonnie Godtel of Boulder City, Nev.; two daughters-in-spirit, Merna and Estelle Stark of Boulder City, Nev.; two sons, Ramon Godtel and wife, Gloria of Arcadia and Don Godtel and wife, Patti of Great Falls, Mont.; son-in-law, Don Kautz of Phoenix, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Bradley Kautz and wife, Melissa, Julie Henkel and husband, Kris, Farley Kautz, Anthony Godtel, Shane Godtel and wife, Angie, Jessica Godtel, Beau Godtel and wife, Marde, and Andy Godtel; eight great-grandchildren, Lisa and Jennifer Kautz, Ariana, Jazmyn, and Addison Henkel, Kaylee and Cody Kautz, and Jakob Godtel; one sister-in-law, Norma Lee Hill and husband, Don of Loveland, Colo.; along with many other relatives and friends.

Graveside inurnment will be 11 a.m., Friday at the Culbertson Cemetery with the Rev. Johnny Walker officiating.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.