IRENE A. GODELL's Obituary
IRENE GODELL, 85, of Watton entered into the haven of rest on April 10th, 2009 at the Bayside Village where she had been a resident since suffering a stroke in November.
The youngest of nine children, Irene was born in Covington on March 9, 1924 to Nels and Sanna Autio. She attended the Swedish Number 1 School, transferring to Watton, and graduating from Amasa High in 1941.
On October 17, 1942, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Godell. Working side by side with him, they farmed and did woods work. Together, they raised three children, Phyllis (Martin) Pokela, of Traunik, Ralph (Barbara) Godell of Centennial, CO., and Steven (Susan) Godell of Saline. Last October, they celebrated their 66th year of marriage.
Irene loved the Lord, was a faithful member of the Watton Apostolic Church and always wanted to hear the Word, whenever it was preached. Friends and strangers alike were welcome at her table and no one left without having coffee and her baked goods. There was always an extra bed for guests.
Besides her husband and children, Irene is also lovingly survived by her grandchildren, Brenda, Rene', Tara, Erin, Neil, Erika, Alex, Emilie, Andrew, and Daniel and great grandchildren, Michael, Thomas, Jacki, and Maddie. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a host of loving friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Julia Sarkka, Lillian Rajala, Aune Autio, Helen Ketola, Impi Lempinen and brothers, Verner, Richard, and Waino Autio, a close niece, Agnes Rajanen, and a son, Daniel, born May 21, 1944 and died May 6, 1946.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 16th at 11 a.m. at the Watton Apostolic Lutheran Church with her nephew, Walter Ketola officiating. The family received friends at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse Wednesday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. and also at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment took place in the Covington Cemetery. Pallbearers for Irene were her nephews and her grandsons served as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, friends were invited to join the family at the Covington Multipurpose Building for fellowship and refreshments.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Vickstrom and the staff at Baraga County Memorial Hospital and Bayside Village for the wonderful care and attention that was given to Irene and for the gracious support of clergy, friends, and relatives who faithfully visited these past months.
What’s your fondest memory of IRENE?
What’s a lesson you learned from IRENE?
Share a story where IRENE's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with IRENE you’ll never forget.
How did IRENE make you smile?