Larry Gordon Godager

Godager, Larry Gordon Entered Heaven on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the age of 72. He was an advisor- a loving, wise and helpful husband to Nancy Godager (nee Faller) and Dad to Wendy Godager Bode (Jim Bode) and Scot Godager (Debra Stark). He was "Papa" to 6 "Grand" children; Hailee, McKenna, Colton, Reagan, Ashlyn and Brayden. Brother to Ronald (Carol) Godager. Uncle to Eric (Roxanne), Nigel, Bonnie and Cora. His family was always first in his heart and he planned and took care of them always. He attended the sporting events, theater shows, school and church events of his children and grandchildren. His family treasures vacationing together, "deer hunting", his dancing, his singing "I Can't Dance", his piercing whistle, his reading to young grandchildren, his reading the entire Harry Potter series so he could talk about it with his voracious-reading grandchildren, his milk shakes, his bakery treats, rides in the golf cart and playing gin. Larry was a graduate of South Division High School in 1962 where his lively personality led his classmates to elect him Homecoming King and then the top honor Representative Boy. He entered the Milwaukee Police Dept. as a police aide and also joined the Marine Corps Reserves, doing his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, 96th Rifle Fox Co. He married his high school sweetheart- his Homecoming Queen and Representative Girl of her class, Nancy Faller in 1966. They celebrated the blessing of their 50th anniversary at a party on April 16, 2016. After he became a patrolman on MPD he was soon in the heart of Milwaukee's 1967 riots. Because of his calm demeanor dealing with the public he was assigned to be the arresting officer of Father Groppi. He worked long hours and in his off time studied to proudly earn his Bachelor of Science degree and additional graduate credits from UWM. Over his 37 years of committed and fulfilling service to Milwaukee citizens, he steadily advanced and served in several departments. After patrolman he worked on the Vice Squad and made Detective. He was personally assigned by Police Chief Harold Breier to the security detail for Mayor Henry Maier. He became a Lieutenant and served with integrity in Homicide, Bank Robberies and his favorite the Robbery Task Force "Give a shout out to my great team". He retired as a Detective Captain in 1999 to enjoy more time at his and Nancy's cabin in Stiles, WI and their small home in Ocala, FL (Oak Run) where he hosted many parties, cooked, toasted, joked with the many friends his fun-loving ways attracted. In Milwaukee he enjoyed many conversations and laughs with his breakfast groups, his "Lunch Bunch" and more recently the truly dedicated compassionate, caring and fun staff at Froedtert Hospital Cancer Center. A special thanks to Dr. Ehab Atallah who with God's help guided his leukemia treatments. His greatest pride and joy was always his family. And so we'll try to not cry because it's over, rather we'll smile because it happened. Thanks Lord. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Lucas Ev. Lutheran Church appreciated. Visitation at St. Lucas Ev. Lutheran Church, 2605 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., on Tuesday, May 17 from 1 4 PM. Memorial Service at 4 PM.