Craig Howard Godel

Craig Howard Godel, 61, a resident of Moorhead formerly of Fergus Falls, died November 8, 2016, unexpectedly at his home.

Craig was born on May 2, 1955, to Howard Allen and Juel Iola (Raguse) Godel in Fergus Falls. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1973 and went on to graduate from Alexandria Technical College in 1975 with a degree in commercial arts.

He was confirmed at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls and was a member of both the United Church of Christ and Grace United Methodist.

On July 26, 1975, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Barbara Pederson at the United Church of Christ.

He began working as a commercial artist in Eagle River, Wisconsin, then moved back to Fergus Falls in 1976. He worked at several positions where he could use his artistic talent. He received the Minnesota Governor’s Council Quality Service Award in 1995. He enjoyed spending time at the lake, painting, drawing, stained glass and anything art-related. He was a wonderful cook and baker and delivered food often to friends and relatives.

Family always was important to him from a young age as he spent much time with his grandparents. Throughout his life he always kept his hand in his passion and created art in many forms. He and Barb enjoyed many travels, family vacations and in recent years just the two of them enjoyed numerous adventures.

He said many times that his greatest achievement was his children. He was so proud of them, and proud to be called, Grandpa too. He was always helping someone whether it was making meals, giving rides, lending a listening ear or offering gentle advice. He always did what he felt was right, so that he could live his life with no regrets.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Howard Godel, his mother-in-law, Bonnie Pederson, a niece, Erin and a brother-in-law, Darwin Forkrud.

He is survived by his wife, Barb Godel of Moorhead, his children: Carly Bosworth of West Fargo, ND, and Cody (Jessica) Godel of Mapleton, ND; his mother, Juel Godel and father-in-law Roger Pederson both of Fergus Falls; grandchildren: Allison, Jaxon, and Charlotte; siblings: Janet (Russ) Nelson of Belle Fouche, SD, Sandra (Randy) Vorwerk of Hendrum, Jody Dahl of Fergus Falls, sister-in-law Darcy Forkrud of Willmar and brother-in-law Craig Pederson of Fargo, ND.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2016, with a public prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday
Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2016, at Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Kristian Anderson
Interment: United Church of Christ Cemetery in Fergus Falls, MN
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls