James “Jim” Godshalk, age 97, of Kendall, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Tomah VA Hospital after an extended illness.
Jim was born on June 17, 1928, in Hinsdale, Illinois, the son of Clarence Edwin Godshalk and Margaret Soule (Wyckoff) Godshalk. Since his father was then the superintendent and later director of the Morton Arboretum, Jim grew up immersed in nature.
Jim was active in the local community, serving on the Sparta-Elroy Bike Trail Board, as a member of the Elroy Lions Club, the Spring Valley Golf Course, and the former EAAC (Elroy Area Advancement Corporation). He served as the Chairman of the EAAC Commons Committee in the mid-1990s.
He is survived by his wife, Beverley Walter, and four children: Ed Godshalk, Sara Godshalk Lehn, Peter Godshalk, and John Godshalk, five grandchildren: Melissa Godshalk, Jacob Godshalk, Jessalyn Godshalk Browning, Joshua Godshalk, and Zoe Lehn, one great-granddaughter, Dahlia, and a stepdaughter, Eva Walter Orquera.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the American Legion Hall in Elroy, WI. The service will begin at 12 p.m. (noon) with military honors at 1 p.m. Family and friends are invited to stay after the military honors to enjoy one another’s company, stories, and refreshments. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
