Robert W. "Bob" Godfrey passed away December 10, 2023, at Ft. Meade VA Medical Center.  Robert was born on August 28, 1942 to Raymon and Gladys (Anderson) Godfrey in New Underwood, SD.

In 1945 the family moved to Rapid City where Bob and his brothers attended schools.  In 1959, Bob enlisted and served in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Bob was stationed aboard the USS Staten Island, an ice breaker that took him to both the North and South Poles.  His fondest memory of this was getting to shake hands with a penguin.   Bob served in the Navy for four years and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Bob then returned to Rapid City and joined his father and brothers working at Godfrey Brake Service.  He continued to work at Godfrey Brake for 50+ years, meeting many new people and making many friends.

Bob married Barbra Boe on September 11, 1965 in Rapid City.  To this union five children – Michele, Brett, Jim, Jay, and Melissa were born.

Bob always made time for his grandchildren.  His three great-granddaughters brought him much joy, even in his final days.

Bob was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion, VFW, and Western SD Buckaroos.

He is survived by his wife, Barbra and their children:  Michele (Dave) Gabert, Brett (Connie) Godfrey, Jay Godfrey, Melissa Godfrey all of Rapid City and Jim (Faith) Godfrey of Sioux Falls;

eight grandchildren: Ryan (Lexy) and Brandon Gabert, Cassidy and Bradley (Hayley) Godfrey, Christian, Hannah and Sydnee Godfrey, Marissa Godfrey and three great-granddaughters:  Jade, Claire, and Amelia.  He is also survived by his two brothers, Jerry Godfrey and Dan Godfrey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by parents, Ray and Gladys Godfrey, in-laws, Knute and Dorothe Boe, brother-in-law, Raymond Boe, sisters-in-law, Joyce Godfrey and Lisa Godfrey, nephew, Brian Godfrey, and granddaughter, Morgan Godfrey.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the nurses and care staff at Ft. Meade VA Medical CLC for their care and compassion for Bob.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 17 Indiana St., Rapid City.  Funeral services will be Friday December 15, 2023 at 11 am at Faith Lutheran Church.  Interment will be on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 1pm CST at Immanuel Cemetery, Murdo SD.

Family and friends are welcome to sign the online guestbook.

A memorial will be established in Bob's name.