Gary Gode

Gary was born on October 8, 1949 in Springfield, the son of Arnold and Mabel (Nickel) Gode. Gary was the youngest of 4 children and lived his entire life on the family farm south of Sanborn. Gary was baptized and confirmed at the Red Rock EUB church. After graduating from Sanborn High School, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served from 1968 - 1975. Gary married Jean Peterson on July 10, 1971; to this union, one daughter was born in 1972. Through the years Gary enjoyed playing golf, softball, fishing, and playing cards. Gary also loved music; from playing the trumpet in the high school marching band to singing in the Men's Chorus and enjoyed just singing along to the radio. Most of all, Gary loved being outside working on his farm and raising cattle. He was a member of the Red Rock United Methodist Church and served as trustee and Sunday School Treasurer. Gary was also a member and former Commander of the Sanborn American Legion Post # 286. He enjoyed time spent with legion activities, especialy marching in the Color Guard. In Nov. of 1978 Gary was diagnosed with Stage III Hodgkin's Disease. After a hard fight he went into remission in 1979. By God's grace, Gary was given an additional 26 years with his family. In March of 2004 Gary was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma. He fought hard to make it to his 55th birthday and his birthday weekend was full of special times with family and friends. Gary continued his fight but after munerous hospital stays, he moved to the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington on December 1,2004. Gary died on December 14, 2004 surrounded by family at the age of 55 years. Grateful to have shared his life are his wife - Jean Gode of Sanborn; daughter - Janath Gode of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters - Sharon and husband Maynard Beyer of Sanborn and Joan and husband Dallas Giese of Jeffers; a brother - Steve and wife Donna Gode of Sanborn; mother-in-law - Helen Peterson of Lamberton, and numerous nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law - Edward Peterson.