Fernando Godinez-Tenorio

GODINEZ-TENORIO - Fernando Godinez-Tenorio, born May 10, 1927, joined his parents in heaven on Friday, October 7, 2011. Remembered as 'Denna' to his children, 'Boopa' by some grandchildren and 'Papa Nando' by other grandchildren, Fernando is survived by his children, Rick and Diane Godinez and Julia and John Resch of Ada, Gino Godinez and Monica Smith of North Hollywood, CA; 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He proudly served in the US Army in Korea. Born May 10, 1927...gone to be with his parents Alastacio Godinez Lopez & Maria Luisa Tenorio in Heaven on the morning of October 7, 2011 with his family by his side. United States Army Veteran of the Korean War, Jeweler, Father, Uncle, Son, and FRIEND! He gave them much joy, happiness, love, and affection to his children & grandchildren. The neighborhood kids were always a part of the family. He would invite them over for family BBQ's, swimming parties, and even participated in dancing with all the kids at the Birthday parties we would have at our house. Try to picture a father standing on a coffee table dancing at a slumber party; then again, he was only approximately 5'4". He was the hit of the party...always making us laugh. A friend to everyone...a hero to many! He fought a battle with illnesses the last six years leading up to his death. He will be lovingly missed by his children, Ricardo (Diane) Godinez, Julia (John) Resch, Fernando "Gino" Godinez, Monica Smith, 13 Grandchildren & 3 Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He loved to make jewelery, work in the yard, watch Baseball, and spend time with his children & grandchildren. He always put his kids first and himself last; making sure we were well taken care of. He was always willing to help others around him without a thought as to what was in it for himself. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him...even people who were told about him...One friend of his daughter was always told of some stories about him. She imitated his sense of humor and it would make her laugh. When he passed away, this friend cried & giggled....strange you might say...but the tears were from the loss of a good man, a father of a friend, and the giggle was because the first thought was those imitations of humorous things his daughter would do...made her laugh and wish she had met him only one time. So he touched many...even those that were only told stories of him. He was that great of a person. Not only did he touch our lives in life, but he chooses to continue even now...One of his grandsons was born on his birthday, while he left this stage of his life on another grandson's birthday, and is having a celebration of his life on his son's birthday...Some might say its horrific, I say....its a blessing because now, when those birthdays come up....it will not only be a celebration of their birthdays, but a continued celebration of his life that is shared with them. Wake / Visitation is set for: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 6:00-8:00 pm Stegenga Funeral Home 1601 Post Drive Belmont, Michigan 49306 *Directions: Beltline to West River Drive (towards the right for the turn-a-round to turn left), Right on Jupiter (which turns into Post Drive; stay to the left, do not turn right on Post drive), Just before the 131 on ramp, it will be on your Right side. Funeral Service / Honor Guard-21 Gun Salute: Thursday, October 13th, 2011 1:00 pm Chapel; Main Floor Grand Rapids Home for Veterans 3000 Monroe Ave NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 * Directions: Hwy: Take 96 W towards Muskegon, exit Plainfield (sign is displayed Home for Veterans) to the right. Right on Plainfield, Right on 3 Mile, Right on Monroe. Street: Beltline to 3 Mile (street sign states Home for Veterans), 3 mile to Monroe. *Veterans Home is across the street from Riverside Park on Monroe. *Accepting donations for the following charities in honor of our father: Alzheimers Association Diabetes Association Donations of clothing, games, blankets, and other items that would give Veterans in the Courtyard Area more activities, and things to do. Please share this page with anyone who might like to come to the funeral service. Everyone is welcome to share in his life experiences as he openly shared with everyone he touched! To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Fernando Godinez-Tenorio please visit our Sympathy Store.