Stephen Godar

Stephen James Godar was born October 16th, 1931, 7th son of James Edward Godar and Nellie (McDonald) Godar of Hardin, Illinois.  He passed from this world October 10th, 2025, 6 days shy of his 94th birthday at Calhoun Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Hardin, surrounded by his loving family. 

Stephen was born and raised in Calhoun County and was in the Hardin High School Class of 1950. After high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force where he served from 1951 through 1955. He was stationed at several Air Force bases including Texas, Kentucky, Michigan and Newfoundland, Canada, where he was a crew chief on F-89 jet aircraft with the 61st fighter squadron at Ernest Harmon AFB. He then farmed and worked at several jobs including McDonald Aircraft, Laclede Steel, the Grafton Boat Works and others until he was able to farm full-time on farms in Calhoun & Pike Counties. He also built and ran an egg-laying house with 10,000 chickens. He enjoyed many other activities including gardening, woodworking and boating. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. When he could no longer work, he filled his time with drawing and painting.

Stephen will be greatly missed by many friends and family.

Stephen leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years, Ann Louise (Lehr) Godar, 6 children: Dennis (Molly) Godar, Rochester, IL; Linda (Bud) Proctor, Cadiz, Kentucky; Cindy (Dan) Inlow, Hardin, IL; David (Karen) Godar, Hardin, IL.  Ruth (Kent) Lee, Golden Eagle, IL; and Stephen Jay (Rhonda) Godar, Jerseyville, IL.  Stephen had 10 grandchildren, Hannah, Jim, Clay, Ryan, Kyle, Amy, Kim, Kari, Jacob & William, and 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stephen was the last living member of his family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Aloysius, Ed, Leo, Aloys, Dan & Antoine and his sisters: Rosemary, MaryAnn & Clara Lou.

Visitation will be Thursday October 16, 2025, from 7:30 to 9:30AM at Gress, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home, Hardin, IL.  Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00 AM, at St Norbert’s Catholic Church, Hardin, IL. Burial will follow at St Norbert’s Cemetery in Hardin, followed by a luncheon at the Presbyterian Hall in Hardin.

Memorials can be made to St. Norbert’s School, Hardin, IL.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home