Jesse Donald Godsk, 98, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at the Riverview Healthcare Center in Flandreau. His funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Visitation will be two hours prior to the start of the service. www.kahlerfh.com
Jesse Donald Godsk was born on November 13, 1923 at Hurley, SD, the son of John and Dana (Larson) Godsk. He attended country school through the 8th grade and then Centerville High School, graduating in 1941. In 1944, Jesse and his family moved to a farm near Dell Rapids. Jesse entered the Army in 1946 and served during World War II in the 384th AAA Gun Battalion.
He married Margaret Elaine Haverberg on January 17, 1948 in Centerville, SD at the Scandia Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on the family farm near Dell Rapids. Jesse truly believed in family, the farm life, and the value of working hard. He and Margaret raised three children: David Donald, Susan Margaret, and Joe Jon. There was absolutely nothing that Jesse would not do for his children. Jesse continued to farm until 1996 when he and Margaret retired and moved into Dell Rapids.
During Jesse’s busy family farm life, he still found time to participate and contribute to his community. Jesse served on the DeVaney Country School Board for many years. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids serving on the Church Council, numerous committees, ushering, and anything else that was needed. Jesse especially loved the LCDR Chapel, and it was very unusual if a Sunday Service was missed.
In 1987, after Jesse was lucky enough to become a Cancer Survivor, he decided to serve as the Ostomy Chapter Coordinator for 24 years in Sioux Falls, visiting and counseling others at local hospitals and at home. He was very proud of this work and stayed very active by attending various meetings in SD, ND, Montana, Wyoming, and Canada.
Jesse was a lifetime member of Legion Post 122 in Trent, SD and was proud to have served on their Honor Guard for a short time.
Jesse is preceded in death by his parents (John and Dana Godsk) and his brother (James Godsk). He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son, David (Louisa) Godsk of San Francisco, CA; daughter, Susan (David) Bredlow of Dell Rapids, SD; son, Joe (Margarita) Godsk of Miami, FL; his five grandchildren, Nancy Godsk, Kimberlie (Chet) Pascoe, Amie (Brian) Prue, Caramie (Justin) Faini, and Christopher (Stephanie) Berger; and his 10 great grandchildren.
Jesse was blessed with a long life filled with many meaningful family and friend memories. He will truly be remembered for his kind heart, his joking nature, and his positive attitude towards life.
Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids for the purchase of a new funeral palls.