Godfrey Massman, 82

Godfrey J. Massman, 82, Melrose, formerly of Osakis, passed away on July 16, 2012 at the Melrose Hospital.

Godfrey was born in New Munich to Felix and Elizabeth (Eickhoff) Massman on March 28, 1930. He grew up helping on the family farm and as an adult he continued farming near New Munich and also working at the Litchfield Produce Company in Melrose. He then farmed south of Osakis with his brother in 1949.

On June 21, 1955 Godfrey was united in marriage to Rita Dickhaus in Melrose. They moved to a farm on the northeast side of Lake Osakis. In 1960, Godfrey began driving can truck for the Osakis Creamery. He would also do custom combining for area farmers.

Godfrey was a member of the Immaculate Conception parish in Osakis and sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the St. Michael Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Gordon Community Club.

Because of his lifetime of farming, Godfrey had a knack for fixing machinery and could often be found out repairing something in his shed. Snowmobiling was another favorite pastime, as was going to old-time dances. He was a fan of Western movies and spent many hours reading various publications. He liked to travel and Godfrey would visit with and make friends with the many different people he met. He was a devoted husband, father and grandpa who loved to be with his family. Blessed be his memory.

Godfrey is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rita Massman of Melrose; children, Gary (Pam) Massman of Dripping Springs, TX, Jan (Rich) Thomas of Coon Rapids, Theresa (Greg) Marthaler of Osakis, Dale (Julie) Massman of Osakis, Darrel (Kelly) Massman of Decatur, IN and Melissa (JP) Gregory of Greenwald;13 grandchildren, Jeffery (Jennifer) Massman, David (Jennifer) Massman, Tammy Massman, Stefanie (Leo) Solorio, Chelsey Thomas, Jason (Emily) Marthaler, Jenifer (PJ) Wanderscheid, Eric Marthaler, Zachary Massman, Dakota Massman, Kaleigh Massman, Paige Gregory, Alex Gregory; three great-grandchildren, Isabella Marthaler, Baby Marthaler (due January 2013), Miah Wanderscheid; brothers, Julius (Clarice) Massmann of Osakis, Fred (Beatrice) Massmann of Sauk Centre, William (Karen) Massmann of Melrose, Clarus “Larry” (Nancy) Massmann of Sauk Rapids, Hugo (Virginia) Massmann of New Munich; sisters, Joan (Rupert) Weyer of Sartell and Mary (Clem) Kremers of Rockville; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, an infant sister, Sandra Massman and Jeanette Hoeschen.

A Mass of Resurrection was held for Godfrey on Friday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union with Fr. Andrew Marthaler officiating. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Osakis. Active pallbearers were all of his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were Eugene Waldorf, Louis Gray, Chet Wallace, Colby Judd, Dennis and Ron Traulich, Jesse Johnson and Harlan Tenhoff.

Arrangements are with Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis; www.royhetland.com.

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