Bruce A Godfrey

Bruce Allister Godfrey, age 76 of Catawba, WI passed away on January 2, 2025 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on June 20, 1948 in Detroit, MI to Allister Jansen Godfrey and Mary Theresa Godfrey (Schulte). Bruce finished high school with a GED while in the U.S. Army, as he left school to help with his mother when she had contracted polio.  Bruce joined the U.S. Army March 23, 1967 and served until November 26, 1969. He was a SGT E-5 with the 504th Military Police Battalion "Road Runners". He served in the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star for his courageous actions and conduct.

Bruce married Millicent Lizak on July 2, 1982, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Kennan, Wisconsin. He milked cows for many years, until April 1997, and received numerous Quality Milk Awards from the Dairy Corporation to which the family shipped its milk. He then switched to raising and selling beef cattle until December 2024.  Bruce worked in the woods part time, for the lumber industry, and worked full time at the Mix-Rite Feed Mill in Kennan as a feed maker and delivery truck driver until his retirement. He served as a member of the Catawba-Harmony Volunteer Fire Dept for 20+ years, and continued his service as backup Safety Officer. He served as Fire Chief for 14 consecutive years during this time. He then became active in the American Legion in Kennan, Wisconsin until his time of death.

Bruce loved being outside gardening, working around the farm, and working with the cattle. He enjoyed cutting grass and trimming making the yard look nice all the time. He was an avid reader and always had a new book to read and loved sharing books with others. 

Bruce is survived by his wife Millie, married 42 and a half years, son Joseph (Gwen) Godfrey of Wausau, Wisconsin, son Bryan (Daisy) Godfrey of El Paso, Texas, daughter Tina Godfrey of Marshfield, Wisconsin and daughter Vanessa Godfrey of Catawba, Wisconsin and many grand children, great grand children, nieces and nephews. Bruce's siblings are Brothers Peter Godfrey of Fenton, Michigan, John (Linda) Godfrey of Belgrade, Montana, Sisters Mary (Gary) Horning of Linden, Michigan, Roseanne (Steve) Plummer-Burns of Linden, Michigan, and Janey (Jeff) Brooks of Fenton, Michigan.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, nephew David Plummer, in-laws June Moore, Kenneth Lizak, William Lizak, and Walter Lizak.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with Military Honors, followed by a Reception until 2:00 PM at the Phillips Municipal Building (Armory) in Phillips, Wisconsin. Pastor John Morrow from the New Hope Baptist Church in Kennan, Wisconsin (John was the Chaplain for the fire dept.)  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the family would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services are assisting the family.