Name: Visitation for Robert A. Godke Jr.
Start: 2015-10-12T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-10-13T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

Robert "Bob" Godke, Jr., 71, passed away from this world on October 8, 2015 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr. Godke was a LSU Boyd Professor whose areas of research include reproductive physiology, embryo transfer, and genetic engineering. He was born to parents Marcelene and Robert A. Godke Sr. and raised in Kewanee, IL. Bob is loved and will be greatly missed by all of his relatives, his professional colleagues and his former graduate students whom he lovingly dubbed the "Repro Rangers." The Godke Family would like to thank Dr. Vincent Cataldo and Nurse Practitioner Dustin Denicola for their compassion and dedicated care. Bob is predeceased by Nancy Godke, his wife of 40 years, and his father. Surviving relatives include his mother, his wife Bonnie, and his three children with spouses: Elizabeth and David Koonce, Jennifer and Ken Harper, and John and Mary Godke. He is also survived by his wife's children: Michael, Jacki, and Tammy Fjeld. Surviving grandchildren include Bozeman Koonce; Kendal, Braytin, Jace and Britleigh Harper; Emery, Ashleigh and Andrew Godke; David Fjeld; Miranda Hadsall; and Elise and Emily Pettis. He is also survived by five brothers: David, James, Douglas, and Richard Godke and a sister, Julie Wilson. Bob's lifelong commitment to the field of reproductive physiology, his passion for higher education, and his loyalty to Louisiana State University have resulted in the formation of a memorial endowment to honor his legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Robert A. Godke Graduate Scholarship Endowment Fund (c/o Dinah Schuster, LSU Ag. Center, Office of Development, 101 J. Norman Efferson Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-0106). Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2015. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13th at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, with calling hours from 9-11 a.m. Family and friends may sign the online guest book or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

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Published by The Advocate from Oct. 10 to Oct. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Godke

36 Entries

David Godke

October 25, 2015

My big brother was a special person. He helped me to find my way in life and also helped me to graduate with a Masters Degree. I also give him credit for me meeting my wife of 44 years -Donna. Thus he has such an impact on me that it cannot be totally disclosed in a short memo.
On his awards presentation at LSU many people came up and told me how he had touched and changed their life for the good. God will surely bless him for all his help and caring for his students who really liked him as well as his teaching dedication.
The world is a better place because my brother lived in it. We often did not understand all his research however knew it help people and especially woman who wanted to have children.
God Bless you on leaving this earth and I look forward to being with you in Heaven some day to talk about old times.

Love.

Brother David

Terry Dumas

October 16, 2015

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. May God grant you comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Dr. Terry L. Dumas and Family

Marlon Rovira

October 16, 2015

Beth Godke Koonce,

I accidentally sent you the wrong email address. Please send me your email address to [email protected] along with the list that you planned to send me.

Thanks
Marlon Rovira

Heidi Barnett

October 14, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss, John!-Heidi, Arden, Lauren & Hayden

Linda DeBord

October 14, 2015

Bonnie and all of Bobs family, please know you have my sincere sympathy. The comments on here speak volumes about a man who not only contributed so much to the world, but also made a difference in so many lives. Bless you all, my heart is with you. Also Bonnie mom wanted me to give you her condolences too because she doesn't do online things and didn't know your address. She sends her love too.

Jonathan Roberts

October 13, 2015

My storyline with "Bob" Godke is like many others that consider themselves Repro Rangers. He saw something in me that nobody else did. He gave me a chance to do great things when no one else did. He pushed me to work as hard as I could to achieve my goals. His program demanded a work ethic from his students that was unmatched anywhere. Under his guidance I developed as a student, researcher, and a person. There were times that I cursed him during school, but when it was all said and done, I thanked him for it. Not only was he a great mentor but also a wonderful friend. He will never be forgotten.

Jonathan L. Roberts DVM MS

Patsye Peebles

October 13, 2015

Bob was such an amazingly gifted man. I never ceased to marvel at the advances he brought to his field, and his generosity at sharing his experiences and expertise with high school teachers and students. He spoke to my students every year, and inspired many of them with the future of biology and animal science. His legacy lives on with all those students he mentored at LSU, and many others who heard or read of his work. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

October 13, 2015

Keeping you and your families in my prayers.

Sally Snowden

Marlon Rovira

October 12, 2015

Beth,

Got your message, but you didn't send me your email address. Please send to [email protected].

Marlon

John Lynn

October 12, 2015

I ponder how to write about Dr. Godke. My respect for him is extremely high. We started at odds and after several years he invited me to join his group. I was dumbfounded and infinitely honored. His reputation was international and I dearly cherish my association with him. I know he is resting in peace with great respect from his many successful students and colleagues.

Klaus Wiemer

October 12, 2015

We will forever be in debt to our Dr. Godke. He was such an amazing man who alway pushed us to be our best. He was much more then a mentor but more like father in so many ways. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you Dr. Godke

Larry Dolieslager

October 12, 2015

Bonnie, Please accept my sincere condolences. I never realized what a remarkable man Bob was until we talked at the KHS 1962 50th reunion three years ago. He never ceased to amaze me since. You and the world lost an amazing man and I simply wonder "Why?" He had so much more to offer this world. His pain is gone, he fought a valiant fight, and now is at rest. I'll never forget him. The world has lost another way before his time.
Larry

Ruth Gascon

October 12, 2015

I had two daughters who worked for Dr. Godke as secretaries at the Animal Science Dept. at LSU; Susan Gascon, from 1974 until 1975, and Amy Gascon from 1977 until 1980. When Amy left for a new job he asked me if I had any more daughters he could hire. They both have fond memories of him.

Amy Gascon Stephens

October 12, 2015

I'm very sorry to hear of Dr. Godke's illness and passing. I was a secretary at the Animal Science Department of LSU right out of high school in 1977. It was my first job. Dr. Godke welcomed me right away since my sister had worked there before me. He made me laugh every day and it was a pleasure working with/for him. My prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

October 12, 2015

Mr. Godke will be missed. I looked forward to seeing him each week and visitng with him when he came in for treatment. He was always full of jokes and I would always get a good laugh in when he was around. He would always tell me that he had a picture of me on his refrigerator to remind him to eat.
So sorry to the family for Mr. Godke's loss!
-Lindsay (Dietitian at Mary Bird)

Ron and Susan Singleton

October 12, 2015

We have lots of happy memories of fun times with Bob and Nancy. They were always so good to Mom and Dad. They loved their visits in Baton Rouge, Mercer and even England. Sending our love and keeping all of you in our prayers.

Shirley Johnson

October 12, 2015

Dear Bonnie and Family,
May God comfort you in this time of loss.

Carolyn & Ken Tuttle

October 12, 2015

Dear Bonnie & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my prayers. When you have time and are ready, we will have a talk.

Dr. Pam Mitcham

October 12, 2015

I will miss Dr. Godke tremendously. He always pushed me to be a better student and for that I am ever grateful. Through all of his tough love and constructive criticisms, he helped me become a better professor as well. My prayers are with your family as you grieve. I hope you will take comfort that so many share your sadness and are lifting you up for comfort to the only One who can bring you peace. God bless and lots of love.

Curt Youngs

October 12, 2015

Dr. Robert A. Godke, Jr. was a pioneering animal reproductive biotechnology researcher who served as an extremely motivating, life-altering mentor to a tremendous number of students. He was unselfish with his time, and he truly cared about the professional and personal lives of his students. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on forever. May his family somehow manage to find peace during this tumultuous time in their lives. Rest in peace, Dr. Godke!

Dr. Tim Armstrong

October 12, 2015

I was so fortunate to be a student worker, then student of his during those "early years" some 40 years ago. He was easily one of the most intelligent, entertaining, and hardest working men I ever knew. His lasting impact on our world, and those blessed to have known and worked with him represent a worthy legacy and hopefully a source of comfort.

Trace Williams

October 12, 2015

John & Mary...So sorry to hear of Dr Godke's passing but know he is safely in heaven shining down with lots of love. God bless.

Dr Marlon Rovira

October 11, 2015

Is's hard to believe he is gone. I was one of the original "Repro Rangers" When he was my Major Professor way back in 1973, and we called him "the God". He had a great influence on my life. He was one of the smartest men I've ever known and without question the greatest teacher I ever had. The world is a better place because of him.

Andrew Kennedy

October 11, 2015

Jennifer and Family, so sorry for your lose. Trust God for the comfort that only He can give.

Dr. Matt Crochet

October 11, 2015

He was far and away the greatest professor I ever had. He was entertaining, informative, and demanding. My deepest condolences to the family.

Dr. Aubre Harper-Polo

October 11, 2015

I will always fondly remember my four years spent working as Dr. Godke's student assistant in his office in Francioni Hall. He was a wonderful professor and mentor who touched many students' lives. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Marilyn Thompson

October 11, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Bob's family. Especially my friend, Bonnie and his Mother, Tootie. Two beautiful ladies.

Chris and Darwin Bral

October 11, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers, Bonnie. Love to you.

Jill Johnson

October 11, 2015

A tremendous loss of a great colleague.

October 11, 2015

Bonnie -- My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bob fought a valiant fight, and now his suffering is over, and he is at peace. His memory and his legacy will live on through his family a nd his work.
Much love, Vicki

October 11, 2015

Our deepest sympathies to you and all your families Bonnie May our Lord and savior keep you in his care at this most difficult time Love John and Pat Tomsic

October 11, 2015

Dear Bonnie and family, Our deepest symphathy for the loss of your loved one.Our prayer is for remembrance of good times and happy memories. May God grant peace and loving hearts at this time.

All my love, Sharon

M S

October 11, 2015

One of the best professors I ever had. He was a tough but entertaining and made sure you knew the information. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Our thought and prayers are with the family.

Annie

October 11, 2015

"Under God's kingdom on earth, aging and death will no longer be. All the bad conditions will be things of the past." Isaiah 65:17-25. With my sympathy and condolences to the family.

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