Louis Godek

February 6, 1924 – August 20, 1997

Louis A., Godek, 73, of Deereld Beach, FL. died Wednesday, August 20, 1997. Born in Norwich, CT on February 6, 1924. Received all of his schooling there. Entered the services in October 1942 and was assigned to the Army Air Corps, schooled and given assignment as a S/Sgt. in aerial gunnery on a B- 17. Was a member of the famous 95th Bomb group in the ETO and received baptism under fire on his first mission by ditching in the North Sea, being rescued after 13 hours. Was a crew member on the first American air raid on Berlin, participated in the early morning D-Day raid and two other missions on the same day, the mercy mission to arm the Maquis in the Pyranese Mountains and flew the second shuttle mission to Russia/Italy/England, flying a total 37 missions over the Continent. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, two Presidential Unit Citations and recently was awarded the commemorative Medal "the 50th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great patriotic War" on behalf of Pres. Yeltsin.

Mr. Godek was a Real Estate Broker in Deerfield Beach for over 32 years until his retirement. A past President of the North Broward Association of Realtors and through all these years was active with the local Board of Realtors, the State Association of Realtors as well as the National Association. His main focus was on the Education of Realtors industry wide to better serve the market. In 1979 he was selected as the Associate of the Year and in 1985, he was bestowed the honor of being the Realtor of the Year. He was also very active in the local Chamber of Commerce, serving two terms as Director. The ultimate honor accorded by the Chamber was in a presentation as "The Small Business Man of the Year". He leaves his business credo as he taught it "Treat everyone fairly and honestly".

Survived by his wife Mary Frances; stepsons Raymond Lee Hurley & Lonnie Wayne Hurley (Darlene) of Boca Raton; grandchildren Beverly Morgan of Palm Beach Gardens, Debbie Hurley of Juno Beach & Russell Wayne Hurley of Boca Raton; one great grandchild Shelby Morgan of Palm Beach Gardens; brothers Frank Godek of Hatfield, MA & Joseph Godek of Danielson, CT. Several nieces & nephews.

Visitation from 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home where services will be held 10 AM Sat. followed by burial in Forest Lawn North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to charity of your choice.

Arrangements by KRAEER FUNERAL HOME. 1199 E. Sample Rd., Pompano Beach. 946-2900.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - Thursday, August 21, 1997