Dennis Godfrey

Dennis J. Godfrey, 56, longtime Town of Superior resident, died unexpectedly Friday, October 30, 2009 as a result of a coronary condition of which Dennis was unaware. Consequently, the automobile Dennis was driving crossed the center line and collided with a dump truck on Wisconsin Highway 35 in the Town of Superior.
He was born on October 27, 1953 in Superior to Thomas J. and Julia (DeCooman) Godfrey.
Dennis married the love of his life, Marie A. Orlowski on October 1, 1977 at St. William's Catholic Church in Foxboro and recently celebrated thirty-two years of marriage. He will be sadly missed by his beloved daughters, Alison Marie Godfrey, Kristen Marie (Benjamin Walters) Godfrey, both of Minneapolis, MN.
As a child, he attended the former Washington Elementary School in South Range and Cathedral School in Superior through the ninth grade. He graduated from Superior Senior High in 1971 and went on to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College to receive his degree in auto mechanics.
Dennis began his career with the former Campbell Motors and was an auto mechanic with the City of Superior.
Dennis owned and operated DJ Automotive in Superior before becoming an Auto Tech instructor at Lake Superior College, where he has been employed for over ten years.
He was an active member of St. William's Catholic Church and the T.E.C. (Teens Encounter Christ) community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, affiliated with Holy Assumption Catholic Church.
Dennis was a devoted fan and loved attending stock car races on Friday nights in Superior. He loved taking road trips and camping with his family. He was a member of the Drift Dodgers Snowmobile Club. Dennis will always be remembered as a great story teller.
In addition to his wife Marie and daughters Alison and Kristen, Dennis is survived by two sisters, Julie Godfrey Miller, Duluth, MN, Bridget Godfrey, Minneapolis, MN; his stepmother, Audrey (Benjamin) Godfrey, Superior; two stepbrothers, Tom (Suchi) Benjamin, Maui, HI, Jerry (Patsy) Benjamin, San Francisco, CA; his mother and father-in-law, June and Alex, Orlowski, Superior; nine sisters-in-law, Rose (Bob) Vogt, Linda Ruska, Patti (Tom) O'Connell, Collette (Paul) Van Hove, Mary (Gordy) Laakso, Theresa (Tony) Bannick, Cheryl (Dave) Beetcher, Michelle (Bruce) Berg, Dawn (Guy) Moen; one brother-in-law, Michael S. Orlowski; several nieces, nephews and cousins; four cats, Ellie, Cal, Mister and Boo and his beloved dog, Dukey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Ave., where a Scripture Service is scheduled for 7:00 PM that evening.
Visitation will continue at 10:00 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009 until the 11:00 AM Funeral Mass in St. William's Catholic Church, Foxboro. Rev. Fr. Don Kania will be celebrant, Frs. Robert Urban, Ron Olson, Ed Anderson and Kevin Gordon will concelebrate the Mass.
Pallbearers for the service will be Benjamin Walters, Bob Johnson, Eric Stuart, Mike Gomulak, Mitch Connor, Jay Olson, Dave Spencer and Michael James Orlowski. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom and Jerry Benjamin, Jim James, Bill Wildenberg, Dan Blank, Reese Flint and Dave Amys.
Should you wish to leave a condolence or sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com.