12/25/2015
Jody Lee Goad, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, was born on August 23, 1948, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He passed from this world on Christmas night, December 25, 2015.
Jody was the first born son of Lloyd and Loretta (Visser) Goad.
Jody attended the Lincoln Country School in rural Knoxville. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1966 and attended college at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. He graduated from ISU in 1971 with a degree in Industrial Technology.
While attending ISU, Jody met the love of his life, Cathy Lane Colbert. They were married on June 26, 1971, in Rock Island, Illinois.
In March of 1972, he began his career with State Farm Insurance in Bloomington as a claims adjuster. In a career that spanned over 43 years, he enjoyed and excelled in every aspect of the insurance business.
For the last twenty years, Jody was the good neighbor agent in Belvidere. He believed wholeheartedly in the merits of his product and his greatest satisfaction was when he personally delivered claims checks to his clients when they needed them the most.
Jody and Cathy are the proud parents of Abigail Anne, Kevin Christopher (K.C.), and Christopher Lee and the Grandparents of Grayson Lee, Quinton Nicholas, and Addison Grace. Jody was the consummate family man. He never met a stranger. He was faithful and trusted in every relationship he had, as witnessed by his many lifelong friendships.
A man of steadfast integrity and impeccable character, Jody was trustworthy and loyal. His family and friends could depend on Jody being there for them before they even knew they needed him.
Jody believed in giving back to his community and was involved in the Belvidere Cosmopolitan Club, Belvidere High School Booster Club, Illinois Special Olympics, Belvidere Youth Baseball, and the informal “breakfast club” that met at various restaurants in and around Belvidere, where many world problems were solved each morning!
Jody had great pride when coaching his sons’ fifth and sixth-grade football teams in Moline, Illinois. His fond memories of playing high school football made him want to share those experiences with the kids.
His love of football was evident in his passion for the Green Bay Packers. He even bragged about being a fan for more than fifty years and treasured his few opportunities to go to Lambeau Field.
Jody and Cathy were fortunate to travel throughout the world, but some of their fondest memories involved sitting around a campfire with friends and family.
Their most recent adventure was the renovation of a home on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. Jody’s hope and desire were to provide a place where all of his family and friends could come together to enjoy the serene and peaceful surroundings of the lake and make lifelong memories.
Jody was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Loretta Goad; his grandparents, Dick and Sylvia Goad, and Gerrit & Gertrude Visser, and cherished uncles and aunts.
Jody is survived by his wife, Cathy; his children, Abby (Serge) Zhivotovsky, K.C. (Lacey) Goad, and Chris Goad; his sisters, Christa Phillips Hall and Julie (Steve) Lovell, and his brother, Dennis (Jan) Goad; his grandchildren, Gray and Quinn Zhivotovsky and Addi Goad.
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as countless friends.
It goes without saying, the passing of Jody leaves a huge void in the lives of his family and friends, but our many memories of him will be in our hearts forever.
Memorial contributions made to the family will be donated to Camp Hertko Hollow, for kids with diabetes. Direct donations can be made in his honor at www.camphertkohollow.com/support-camp/donate.
This facility was close to Jody’s heart, as he has three nieces and nephews that have benefitted from this wonderful organization.
Arrangements by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008.
To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com