Jean M. Goedderz
Jean M. Goedderz (nee Grosse)
Entered into Eternal Life on Friday, January 1, 2021 (the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God), at the age of 92. Beloved wife of the late John H. Goedderz, Sr. Loving mother of Mark (Pam) Goedderz of Fond du Lac, Kathy (Mike) Immel of Fond du Lac, John Goedderz Jr. (Kathy Bailey) of Madison, and Joanne (John) Droese of Wauwatosa. Cherished grandmother of Lydia Immel of Fond du Lac. Dear sister of the late Marcella (Donald) Funk, Geraldine (Ray) Holzmann, and Marilyn (Roy) Domke, and surviving sister Betty (Milton) Domenget. Also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Jean was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and spent her childhood in Lamartine. She came to the city to work at the National Exchange Bank, and soon met the love of her life, John Goedderz, at the Fond du Lac Post Office where he worked as a clerk. They married on July 16, 1955 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and built a house on the southeast edge of Fond du Lac.
Once son Mark was on the way, Jean resigned her position at the bank to become a full-time mother. She spent many happy years sewing, baking and coming up with fun craft projects for the kids, adding her beautiful artistic touches to everything she did. She filled the yard and garden with flowers and vegetables. She painted a Christmas scene on the big picture window of the house every year. She sewed outfits for the kids and for herself, and also made Barbie and baby doll clothes that were better than anything you could buy in a store. And when granddaughter Lydia was born, she did it all again!
Jean had an aortal aneurism in October 2015; it was a miracle that she survived. Because of resulting health issues, she took up residence at Villa Loretto in Mount Calvary. The family would like to thank the staff at Villa Loretto, and the St. Agnes Hospital Cath Lab staff that have cared for Mom for the past 5 years, and the hospice team for the past few months. Your warmth and kindness will never be forgotten.
Jean was a member of Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and St. Patrick’s Altar and Rosary Society, and became a member of the Holy Family Catholic Community when St. Patrick’s parish merged. She spent many hours volunteering at St. Patrick’s church picnics making ‘Pic-a-Pac’ prizes, serving at chili suppers and cleaning the church. Of notable mention were the pies she baked for the church festival every summer – they would be sold before the festival gates even opened. And lucky for our family, she passed on her pie-making skills to her granddaughter.
Due to current COVID concerns, private services will be held. The family hopes to have a celebration of Jean’s life this summer when we can safely meet outdoors.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Cristo Rey Ranch in Mount Calvary would be appreciated.
N8102 County Rd. WW, Mount Calvary, WI 53057 or cristoreyranch.org/donations/
Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com