Dan Goddard
Danny Bruce Goddard was born Sept. 25, 1947, to Burdette B. and Donna J. (Gibb) Goddard in Benkelman, Nebraska. He lost his struggle with a lifetime of illness on Feb. 10, 2023, at Carriage House Assisted Living in Holyoke. Dan was 75 years of age.
Dan, as he liked to be called, grew up in Champion, Nebraska, attending grade school. He was kindhearted, loved family and spent time walking the Frenchman Creek with his dogs, or possibly a pet raccoon.
He was a dependable newspaper carrier at a young age, and summers were spent helping his granddad, Clint.
After graduating from Chase County High School in Imperial, Nebraska, Dan continued his education in Denver, attending the Denver Automotive School. He then worked as a mechanic in Denver for a short time before moving to McCook, Nebraska, where he was employed at the T.R.W. Plant for 13 years. During these years, he traveled throughout the country on his many motorcycles. Dan later moved back to Champion, driving trucks for Schilke Farms.
In retirement, Dan assisted in the care of his parents. He later began reading and studying the Bible, and he and his mother took home classes from the pastor of Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial. Dan and his mother, Donna, were baptized and confirmed that same year.
Dan made Holyoke his final home, where he joined the Zion Lutheran Church. He found a kind, loving community of friends and helpers at the church. They visited him frequently when his health would not allow him to attend.
Life was never easy due to his illness, but with his little dogs to care for and the staff at the Carriage House, he made the best of life.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and great-nephew Jesse Krausnick.
Left to mourn his death are sister Diann and husband Larry Schilke of the Imperial area; nephews Jeff and Ramona Schilke and James Schilke, all of the Imperial area; niece Christina Krausnick of the Champion area; great-nephews Kile Schilke and Kalli of Imperial and Andrew Schilke and Tanner of Oklahoma; great-niece Brooke Schilke of Oklahoma; great-great-nieces Kensington and Kase Schilke of Imperial and Kinsley and Colette Schilke of Oklahoma; and many cousins.
Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 17, 10-11 a.m. at Liewer Funeral Home in Imperial.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial, with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating.
A memorial in Dan’s memory has been suggested to Zion Lutheran Church of Holyoke.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.