John Ray Godby

John Ray Godby, 81, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 28, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Watseka, Illinois on October 11, 1942, the son of Carroll and Delena (Hall) Godby. He was a lifelong resident of Goodland, Indiana until he moved to Rensselaer in 2019.

He was a 1961 graduate of Goodland High School. John happily served his country in the U.S. Army from October of 1964 to September of 1966, where he spent most of his tour in Germany. After the Army he obtained an apprenticeship at Better Coil in Goodland where he became a journeyman tool & die maker. He was the tool room manager for Better Coil/Magnetek for the better part of 32 years. He later went on to take a position with Pride Metal in Watseka, Illinois in their tool & die shop from where he finally retired in 2016.

John enjoyed riding his motorcycle, particularly his Goldwing. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his grandson Matthew. He loved working the chain gang for the South Newton Football home games for many years. To say he loved his Indiana Hoosiers was an understatement, although some might say it was a love/hate relationship. And the same could be said of his beloved Cubbies.

On May 1, 1970 he married Mary E. Karlson. She preceded him in death on December 26, 2005.

John married his second wife, Shirley (Shepherd) Dobson on June 15, 2019, and she survives. He is also survived by his two children, John (Sandy) Laffoon and Jennifer (Dennis) Cameron; five grandchildren: Kasandra (Thomas) White; Ericka (Jeremiah) Witek, Matthew Olinger, Megan (Jeremy) Eisele, and Nick (Alexis) Tornquist; and three great-grandchildren: Payton White, Avalynn Delaney, and Brynlie Desforges. Also surviving are three stepchildren: Greg Dobson, Steve (Michelle) Dobson, and Sheila (Phil) Schroeder; seven step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and special friends also survive, including Mike Martin, who was like a son to John.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Delena Godby; his first wife, Mary (Karlson) Godby; and his brother, Jim Godby.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral at 12 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Pastor Jeremy Eisele officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Goodland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elara Caring Foundation or to the American Cancer Society, as John was a cancer survivor.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.