Obituary of Pauline Lois Godfrey

Pauline Lois Godfrey, a resident of Fairhaven Retirement Community, Whitewater, WI, passed away on Friday, December 29th. The youngest daughter of Hannah Mae Anderson Haraldson, and Harold William Haraldson, was born on February 1, 1925. A short time later, her twin brother, Paul Louis Haraldson, was born. The birth was a complete surprise and blessing! They joined the family of two older brothers, Curtis, Glen and sister Berlis, now all deceased. Pauline as well as her twin attended a one-room country school for eight years in Rock County WI, and then four years at Brodhead High School, eight miles away, in Green County WI, until graduation in 1942. After graduating from Platteville State Teachers College, Pauline taught rural school and then elementary schools at Brodhead, Whitewater, and Madison, WI. She also took advanced courses at the University of Wisconsin, after her graduation from Platteville in 1949. Pauline married Norman Edwin Godfrey, Sheboygan, WI, on October 21st, 1950 in Durand, IL. Norman was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Pharmacy in 1950. Their early homes were in Brodhead and Monroe. In 1954, they purchased "The Pioneer Drug Store," in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. After nine years of operation in the downtown location, a new store was built in the Sentry Shopping Center where they remained in business as "The Pharmacy," until 1988, when they retired, and the store was sold. Pauline was instrumental in starting the "The Little Tea Room," as part of "The Pharmacy." It remained open for twenty-five years under the able direction of three managers, Aggie Gutreuter, Eunice Freeman, and Mary Jahnke, all of Fort Atkinson. The Godfrey's joined Trinity Lutheran Church in 1954, where Pauline was active in the Sunday School for 30 years. She directed a Children's Choir, and played in the Church Bell Choir, as well as being an active member of ELCW, the women's organization for 50 years. Pauline became involved in community work in the 1950s and 60s: Jay-sette projects and volunteering at Countryside, FISH, driving for medical appointments and Meals on Wheels. She liked to be a helping hand to others, and to entertain friends and family in their home. In later years, she participated in A.A.U.W, the Lionesses, and Friends of the Library Activities. Norman and Pauline were blessed with four children, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Through the years, the Godfrey family and friends enjoyed traveling and sports. Pauline especially liked biking, tennis, and golf. Late in life, as her hearing impairment progressed, TV sports, jigsaw puzzles, and reading were favorite past times. When Norman, her husband, passed away on October 21st, 2015, they had been blessed to share 65 years of loving and wonderful marriage. Pauline's parents, sister, older brothers, are all deceased, as well as Norman Godfrey's immediate family, and nephew Tom Druschke. Surviving are Pauline's twin brother Paul, and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews. Paul and Pauline shared 92 years of special closeness and loving memories. She leaves Carole Haraldson, Gloria Haraldson, sister-in-laws, and Pauline's immediate family, Candice Rae Lathrop, Whitewater WI, Thomas Edwin Godfrey, Watertown, WI, Vicki Jean Hitch, (Keith) Jim Thorpe PA, Jeffrey Allen Godfrey (Jackie) Macungie, PA. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 11:00am at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI, 53190, with Pastor Steven Hanson officiating. Friends may call on the funeral home during visitation from 9:00am until the time of service. The family extends their grateful thank you for the loving care at Fairhaven Retirement Home. A special thank you to Pastor Hanson, John McKenzie, and Don Meyer. Memorials may be sent to Fairhaven Retirement Home, 435 W Starin Rd, Whitewater Wisconsin, or to the place of your choice.