Barb Godel

Barbara Lee Godel, age 88, of Alma, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse.

She was born on March 24, 1935 in Wells, Minnesota to the late Mac and Madaline (Mead) Loveless.  

Barb attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics.    After earning her Bachelor’s degree, Barb taught school for a number of years in New Ulm, MN.  In her later years, Barb worked as a substitute teacher.

On September 27, 1958, Barb was united in marriage to Edwin Godel.  To this union, 3 daughters were born, Lynne, Mary and Marjorie.  Edwin preceded Barb in death on December 30, 2009.

Barb was a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul and St. Luke United Church of Christ in Alma and with a grateful heart served in many church functions, such as decorating the church, woman’s guild, baking, serving at funerals, singing in the choir and was a Sunday school teacher as well.

Barb was also a devoted and active life member of the American Legion, Post 224 Ladies Auxiliary, where she not only helped at most every Legion function but also served as Auxiliary President from 1969-1970 and then again in 2002-2003.  Her dedication to The American Legion Auxiliary spanned for 55 years. 

Barb would also volunteer at Wings over Alma, was a Girl Scout Coordinator and Girl Scout leader.

Barb had many different hobbies and pastimes, which included puzzles, reading, crocheting and knitting along with tending to her garden and canning or freezing the fall harvest. 

Barb was an excellent seamstress as she mended and altered all types of items for the residents of Alma. 

For many years, both Barb and her husband raised and sold Christmas trees.

She will be not only remembered for her gracious heart of giving back to all the organizations she belonged to, but will be remembered as a loving wife, mom and grandma.  She will be truly missed by all that were blessed to know her.

Barb will be deeply missed by her 3 daughters, Lynne Godel, Mary (Bill) Bohlinger and Marjorie (Keith) Ness; her grandson, Erik (Melinda) Ness; friend, Nancy Kauss; sister, Beverly; brother, David; also by  nieces, nephews, other relatives and a community of dear friends. 

Besides her parents and beloved husband, Edwin, Barb was preceded in death by her two brothers, Donald and Charles Loveless.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel with Pastor Jim Clausen officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Alma Memorial Cemetery.  A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, at the funeral home, from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.