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Obituary for John Foster Godby
John Foster Godby, 85, died peacefully on October 31, 2017 in Des Moines, Iowa. His wife Jan was by his side at the time of death. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. November 10th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Earlham, Iowa. Funeral services will be November 11th at the Earlham Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m.
John was born March 9, 1932 to Isabella Foster Godby and Robert Wilson Godby in Earlham, Iowa. He was raised on the Century farm that was originally homesteaded by family members. John attended Iowa State University and received a degree in Agriculture Education. He then spent two years in the Air Force, and returned home to take over the family farm.
On November 29, 1959 John married Jan Bridgman of Des Moines. They raised four children who all developed the same love of the land that had been passed down to each generation. In addition to being involved with the kid's activities John found time to serve on the Land O'Lakes/Felco Board of Directors, Iowa Soybean Promotion Board, Patrons Mutual Board of Directors, and various committees with Iowa State University.
John is survived by his wife, four children, and seven grandchildren. Son Michael is married to Michele and they reside in Sun Prairie, WI with their three children. Son Robert Andrew is married to Kate and they live in Smithfield, VA with their two children. Daughter Susan is married to Tom Barnabo of West Des Moines along with their two children. Son Steve is married to Vickie and they reside in Surprise, AZ.
John was a dedicated Christian, family man, and proud to be a farmer. He always said he wanted his farm to be as proud of him as he was of the farm.
