Godfrey, Paul Stanley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Stanley Godfrey who left this world peacefully on February 19, 2025 at the age of 84 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer.

He was born in Mineral Point on November 21, 1940 to Mason & Lois Godfrey.

Paul grew up the son of a dairy farmer and worked on the farm alongside his father. Farming was "in his blood" and even after completing college, he continued to help out on the family farm. He also owned two farms of his own, raising both pigs and cattle. He passed on his love of animals to both his daughter and son. Farming taught Paul his strong work ethic. He worked 4 different part-time jobs to put himself through college. Every job he did, he "gave it his all." 

Paul attended the one-room, country school named "Sheldon" during grades 1 through 8. Paul graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1959. He enjoyed participating in band, chorus, football, basketball, and track. He held the high school "high-jump" record.

Paul graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1962, with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. He also completed a M.S. Degree in Education Administration at UW-Platteville in 1978.

Paul began his Elementary School teaching career in Costa Mesa, CA and after five years returned to WI to continue his career. He worked for 20 years in the Dodgeville School District as an Elementary School Teacher,  Middle School Teacher, Principal of Ridgeway Elementary School, and Principal  of Dodgeville Elementary School.

In 1988, Paul began a new career path in the insurance and investment industry. He used his teaching and administrative skills to help his clients achieve financial security.

He married Janice Dee Helin in 1962. They were blessed with two amazing children, daughter Shelly in 1966 and son Scott in 1969. Janice passed away in 1985.

Paul married Suzanne Eileen Tobert on July 16, 1987 at the Dodgeville United Methodist Church. They were very happily-married for 37 years until his death. 

Paul's faith was important to him. He loved singing in the Dodgeville United Methodist Church Choir and served on several church committees over the years. His love of music led him to sing in the Dodgeville Community Barbershop Chorus along with his father Mason and son Scott too. For many years Paul served the community as a member of the the Mineral Point Kiwanis, and was President for a couple terms.

Paul liked to travel and enjoyed summer family camping trips. In 2008, Paul & Suzanne retired together. First, they traveled with their "condo on wheels" RV as they criss-crossed the U.S.A. twice! They enjoyed every moment! 

In later years, they bought a 2nd home located in The Villages, Florida and immersed themselves into that active, retirement life-style and beautiful Florida weather during Fall & Winter. They loved taking daily walks together, watching the wildlife & water from their picture-windows, driving their golf cart all around, and spending time with friends. Paul & Suzanne always returned to their Dodgeville home to enjoy Spring, Summer, and our family!

Paul is survived by his loving wife Suzanne, daughter Shelly (Bill) Ehlenbeck, son Scott (Sarah) Godfrey, brother Philip Godfrey, sister Judy (Jerry) Nichols, 6 grandchildren: Brittany, Morgan, & Alexis Ehlenbeck, Spencer (Leah) Godfrey, Eliza (Brenden Polkinghorn) Godfrey, and Maggie (special friend Alex Schemm) Godfrey, 4 great-grandchildren: Raelyn Ehlenbeck, Griffin, Nora, & Rowan Godfrey. Plus, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents: Mason (1993) & Lois (2003) Godfrey,

In-laws Ralph (1992) & Graciela "Chela" Tobert (2007), first wife Janice (1985) Godfrey, and sister-in-law Kay (2016) Godfrey.

A private, family burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Mineral Point. In Spring, there will be a private, family service at Dodgeville Methodist Church. 

Memorials may be sent in Paul's memory to Dodgeville United Methodist Church Choir or the Hodan Center in Mineral Point.

Paul will be deeply missed.

I will think of him each and every day.

"I love you with all my heart."

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com