Yvonne C. Godard

All who knew Yvonne Godard would agree that life was simply better with her in it. She was warm and welcoming, always available with a listening ear, and she had a special way of making everything seem right with the world. Yvonne was the rock of her family, the glue that held everyone together, and so proud to call her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all pets her own. A woman of faith, she lived to serve others, and her spirit of generosity knew no bounds. It has been said that Yvonne was happiest when surrounded by loved ones including a pet on her lap, and she defined what it means to be classy, gracious, and exceptional. Deeply loved, she will never be forgotten.

The 1930s are often remembered as some of the most trying days we have faced in America as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Despite the challenging times, Peter and Estella Bicha were filled with unspeakable joy as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Yvonne Celine on October 15, 1931, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was the youngest of seven children as she was raised in the family home at 950 Adams Street alongside her five sisters and one brother. While attending Aquinas High School, Yvonne enjoyed singing soprano in the choir, was an active member of the debate team, and participated in musicals and plays. After graduating from high school in 1949, Yvonne held various jobs within the La Crosse community and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Among her favorite activities was spending a night out on the town dancing the night away.

Life was forever changed for Yvonne when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Bob Godard, and they met on a blind date on March 5, 1953. Exactly six months later, the sweethearts were married on September 5, 1953, in La Crosse. Once married, they moved to Sioux Lookout in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, where Bob was stationed in the United States Air Force. They spent one year there, and Yvonne spent much of her time homesick.

She and Bob then moved to Sturtevant, Wisconsin, where they began their family, which always included a beloved pet. Together Yvonne and Bob welcomed four children including Kathy in 1954, Sarah in 1956, Mary in 1961, and Steven in 1966 into their hearts and home. In 1965 they moved to the “Big White House” on Park Avenue where she was a hardworking housewife who was highly appreciated for her cooking and baking skills. Yvonne was also active in her children’s lives and was there to support them in everything they did. In 1977, they purchased a lake home better known as "Up North" where she spent much time relaxing and sharing priceless moments with family and friends. Yvonne made it a point to let everyone know that there was always an open invitation to come for a visit. Many of those visits included great meals, Sunday morning trips to the flea market, and extended boat cruises around the shores of Legend Lake. Yvonne always supported Bob in his career and took advantage of several opportunities accompanying him on his work related travels around the world. Eager to try new ventures, she loved dabbling in art, music, and fine cuisines.

In 1982, Yvonne and Bob moved to Green Ridge Condominiums in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, where she lived until the day of her passing. Yvonne shared her strong leadership qualities there as she served as the president of the board for Green Ridge for a number of years.

In addition to supporting her husband in his career, taking care of her children, and running the household, Yvonne had a strong Catholic faith. Her faith was a cornerstone in her life, and she was an active member at St. Sebastian Parish. Yvonne shared her beautiful singing voice as a member of the choir, and she shared her leadership skills by serving in the Altar Society, musical productions, fashion shows, and additional church activities. Yvonne also gave of her time at Holy Name Parish and School where her children attended.

Throughout her life Yvonne was known for her strong work ethic. In the early seventies, she opened and then ran a consignment craft shop called Hand N Heart, which was the first of its kind in Racine at the time. She genuinely enjoyed the relationships she built with her customers and artists over the next five years while operating the business. After selling Hand N Heart, Yvonne worked in various positions before pursuing a career in real estate in 1978. She graduated from Gateway Technical College in real estate where she later taught classes to realtors. Yvonne had a long and very successful career in real estate as she was well known throughout the state. She worked for several real estate offices before establishing her own company, Yvonne Godard Realty. She served as president of the Board of Realtors and was named "Realtor of the Year" in 1987. Yvonne retired after decades of working in a profession she loved and was truly dedicated to. One of her sales led to the addition of Ginger and Jesse to the family, two schnauzers whom were in sudden need of a home.

After the sudden loss of her husband in 1994, Yvonne sought support and comfort with the St. Luke's Aurora Grief Group. Many friendships were gained through this support group including with her longtime companion, Delroy Wright. Yvonne continued to meet with her friends from this group on a monthly basis including just last month. Yvonne and Delroy shared countless good times over 15 years as they did some traveling, went dancing, and shared times with their families.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Yvonne Godard was a blessing to everyone she met. She had a heart of gold and was always willing to help anyone in need. Yvonne was equally known for her honesty, her integrity, and her desire to succeed. Life was not always easy, but she was both strong and determined. She will be forever missed.

Yvonne C. Godard, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016. Yvonne’s family includes her children, Kathleen (Joseph) Makowka, Sarah Godard, Mary Godard (Patrick Wait), Steven (Beth) Godard; eight grandchildren, Michael (Holly) Makowka, Theresa (Andrew) Jensen, Brian (Emilie) Berthelsen, Joseph Rasmussen, Vanessa Hall (Nicole Turner), Tiffany Hall (fiancé, Jason Perez), Jennifer (Shirley) Crowe, Amanda (Lee) Mallett; eleven great-grandchildren, Ella Ann Makowka, Natalie, Brian and Adrianna Berthelsen, Jace Rasmussen, Dylan Hall, Parker Benoit, Alejandro Cervantes, Nevaeh Crowe, Shalyn Gaal, Liam Mallett, Anna Hernandez; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond (Jutta) Godard; special dear friends, Scott (Lisa) Wilde and their children, Paige, Brooke, and Casey; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by five sisters; one brother; and her companion, Delroy Wright. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 18, 2016, 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m. Memorials to the American Cancer Society or to the Wisconsin Humane Society have been suggested.