Robert David Godfrey

Robert David Godfrey, 60, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at home in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, after an extended illness.

Rob was born May 24, 1964, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, to James Burton Godfrey Jr. and JoAnn Marie (Culkar) Godfrey. His youth was spent enjoying small-town life in Proctor, Minnesota, playing hockey and baseball, riding his bike around town, and building forts.

Rob graduated from Proctor High School in 1982 and was emcee for his high school reunion. He maintained many friendships and enjoyed reuniting during the annual Hoghead Festival, and visiting with neighbors around his condominium’s pool. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with degrees in political science and history, subjects that remained lifelong passions.

Rob worked for 25 years as a service delivery coordinator for Lumen (previously named Qwest and CenturyLink). He was well-known for his outgoing nature, sense of humor and engaging opinions. The Vikings no doubt would have won a Super Bowl by now if Rob had been in charge.

Rob was preceded in death by his father; infant sister, Rachael Jane; grandparents James Burton and Violet (Anderson) Godfrey, Frances (Jurjavich) Re and Anthony Culkar; and step-grandfather Renaldo Re. 

He is survived by his loving mother; girlfriend Nychole Politano; three siblings: Jon (Beverly) Godfrey, Joseph (Angela) Godfrey and Christine Godfrey (Nicola Bordoni); aunt Linda (Lauren) Jallen; cousins Kimberley (John) Koch, Tracy (Darrell) Potocnik, Wendy Sandberg, Mike McGinn and Debbie Knoll; and nephews and nieces Graham, Cora, Paige and Duncan Godfrey.

Service will be Saturday, Sept. 7, at St. Rose Catholic Church, 2 Sixth Ave., Proctor. Visitation at 10 a.m. with Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Oneota Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation to help Gold Star families and reduce veteran homelessness. 

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.