Grace Emily Godeke

Memorial services for Grace Godeke, age 92, of Milaca will be held on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 11 AM at the Christian Reformed Church in Pease with Pastor David Smit and Pastor Tom Sahlstrom officiating. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 PM on Thursday and 1 hour prior to the service both at the church. Music will be provided by Lois Roelofs and Shirley Guerkink. Arr. Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home of Milaca. Grace Emily Godeke was born December 19, 1918 near Pease, MN to Kryn and Jennie (Van Slooten) Ruis. She grew up and attended school in Pease. She was united in marriage to Albert Godeke on October 15, 1938. They made their home in the Pease area until 1956 when they moved north of Milaca. Grace worked at the Milaca Garment Factory for many years. After retirement, she moved to Milaca and worked at Milaca Elementary School as a Green Thumb volunteer. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and traveling. She passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at the Milaca Elim Home. She is survived by her children, Doryce (Roger) Kooiman, Dorene Lord, Leon (Susan) Godeke and Cheryl (Brian) Ellingson; grandchildren, Julie Kooiman, Tim Kooiman, Steve Lord, Denise Lord Sweeney, Cara Lord, Joel Godeke, Craig Godeke, Johnna Rodgers, Jessica Ellingson and Kristen Ellingson; great-grandchildren, Ryan Pace, Drew Kooiman, Nathan Kooiman, Lucy Rodgers, Grace Rodgers, Sean Spencer, Hunter Lord, Tyler Lord, Danielle Sweeney, Justin Sweeney, Megan Truslow, Brandon Truslow and Andrew Godeke; great-great-grandchildren, Lily Truslow and Taren Truslow; siblings, Donald Ruis, Marvin Ruis, Violet Plankis and Gladys Cunningham; also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; son, Michael Godeke; brothers, Andrew Ruis and Ebert Ruis and sisters, Janet Vedders and Betty Stonecipher.