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Helen Godfrey Obituary

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point community mourns the passing of one of its best-known and most respected administrators, Dr. Helen R. Godfrey. Helen died Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at the age of 77.

Godfrey served the university for 33 years in a number of roles. When she retired as assistant chancellor for student affairs in 1999, she left us with this comment: "I loved every minute of it." In June of that same year, she was named assistant chancellor emerita.

In addition to the position she held at retirement, she served in roles that included associate dean of students, executive director of co-curricular services, assistant chancellor of university relations and assistant chancellor of student development.

"We've all lost a dear, dear friend. Helen Godfrey was known for her tireless efforts to enhance the learning environment at UWSP, and she also served as a tremendous ambassador for this institution in the community and the state," said Chancellor Bernie Patterson. "Anyone who knew anything about this university for the past several decades knew and admired Helen Godfrey. She literally gave much of her life to UWSP, and it will forever be a better place because of that dedication."

Godfrey's list of accomplishments at UWSP is lengthy. Here are but a few of her accomplishments:

? Founded and provided ongoing support for the University Child Learning and Care Center

? Achieved national affiliation for Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi (freshman and senior honor societies)

? Chartered and hosted UW-Stevens Point's Board of Visitors

? Advocated and volunteered for Special Olympics Wisconsin at UW-Stevens Point

? Was a charter member and president of the Women's Athletic Foundation, a support group for all UWSP women's athletics, founded in 1980.

Her long-standing support of the center led to its renaming as the Helen R. Godfrey University Child Learning and Care Center in 2002.

Godfrey also participated in Friends of Treehaven, was involved with the Suzuki Foundation, led two semesters abroad to Great Britain and served as a member of the Friends of the Natural History Museum.

"Helen's accomplishments speak for themselves, but she would tell you that one of her greatest pleasures was to help students mature and develop through their years at UW-Stevens Point, then to watch them become successful world citizens," said Chancellor Patterson. Godfrey was also proud of helping to end curfews for women in the 1960s and strengthening the student development model at UW-Stevens Point.

In the community, she was a charter member of the Stevens Point Community Foundation, now the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. She was a charter member of the YMCA Foundation Board, a member of the board and executive committee of Camp Manitowish — YMCA, a director of Bethany Home, Waupaca and F&M Bank-Central, and an early member of the Portage County Business Council. She was also a former trustee of St. Paul United Methodist Church, a member of the Portage County Library Foundation, a former member of the Monteverdi Master Chorale Board, a founder of the Chamber of Commerce — Communiversity Committee, a member of Kiwanis and former treasurer of Zonta International.

For her accomplishments in higher education, Godfrey has been recognized by the Academy of Letters and Science, Wisconsin Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel and the University Child Learning and Care Center.

A native of Appleton, she earned degrees from UW-Madison and Michigan State University. Before coming to UW-Stevens Point in the mid-60s, she was assistant dean of women and director of residence halls at Ohio State University.

She loved to travel both professionally and personally, having led several student semester abroad groups. She participated in UWSP Adventure Tours, traveling to Ireland, Scotland and Costa Rica.

Helen enjoyed her lifetime connection with her relatives and friends from the Waupaca area. Her cottage on Round Lake on the Chain O' Lakes was very special to her.

She was a strong supporter of Wisconsin Athletics, faithfully following the Wisconsin Badgers, the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers and UWSP Pointers.

Helen is survived by her brother, James Godfrey of Waupaca; nieces, Anne Godfrey and Susan (Rolf) Wulfsberg; nephews, Thomas (Liz) Godfrey and Michael Godfrey; and a very dear friend, Kathy Bender of Antigo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Ruth Godfrey; her brother, the Rev. Samuel Godfrey; and two sisters-in-law.

A memorial service will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Stevens Point with the Rev. Howard Hintzman officiating. A memorial visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the memorial service.

Memorials can be directed to YMCA Camp Manito-Wish, P.O. Box 246, Boulder Junction, WI 54512; or to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 600 N. Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point, WI 54481, in the name of Dr. Helen R. Godfrey.

The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Stevens Point Journal on Sep. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Godfrey

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September 26, 2011

My friendship with Helen dates back to my student days at Indiana Universityand her encouragement that I attend Ohio State for graduate school. The years serving together toward the welfare of Camp Manito-wish YMCA were indeed special ones. I shall truly remember and appreciate Helen Godfrey.

Linda (Hamm) Bresee

September 26, 2011

I met Dean Godfrey when I was a freshman at UWSP. When I was President of Associated Women Students., she was a caring and wise mentor.A club trip to the University of West Viginia, driving through Appalachia with her at the helm, was memorable. Under her guidance I transferred to the University of Wisconsin Madison where I received my BS in Nursing. I have been a pediatric RN in Colorado all these years and hold her in the highest regard. She influenced my life greatly AND gave me a sweet baby kitten to love when I was a sophomore at UWSP! Godspeed Helen, you are a wonderful lady.

September 25, 2011

I was fortunate to have Helen as a roommate when I was a freshman at the U. of Wis. Madison; she was a soph. and I a lowly freshman. She took me under her wing and we roomed together for 2 years. We spent time at her cottage after finals were over and I was invited to her home and have met her family. Our lives took different paths so have lost touch during the passing years. Such memories will remain. Sincerely, Joanne (Heil) Sanborn

William Rilling

September 23, 2011

I was fortunate to have Helen as a patient. She was a truely amazing woman who handled her situation with grace, courage, and always a warm smile. We will all miss her greatly.

Greg Markovich

September 22, 2011

Friends of Helen,

There must be literally hundreds of us. What a dynamic, warm person. She stood tall for what she believed in and took action. Her efforts in behalf of Womens Athletics motivated me to continue to support Womens Athletics from her modeling. She was a quiet strong leader that made a differencce. May we as Friends of Helen continue to march to the drumbeats of equity, justice and kindness. Thanks for blessing my life. RIP, Greg Markovich

Linda Landowski

September 22, 2011

You have my heartfelt sympathy, love & care for your loss. This lady was a amazing woman. A true trailblazer, caring, kind person. Both of us were featured on the front page of the journal with our Cancer battles. We exchanged cards. I feel we're finally painfree once we pass over. She will live on forever with all she's done! All the hearts she's touched. We are better for having known her! RIP dear, sweet fighter. You are loved and never forgotten. One day there will be our Cure. One day I'll see you again. Until then walk in the gardens and lakes in heaven..

Judy Dobbe

September 22, 2011

Mrs Godfrey was truly an assest to the university community as well as the area community. She was such a wonderful help to our son when he was attending the university and had the misfortune of losing his best friend and roommate to suicide while he was a freshman at UWSP....she went out of her way to make that difficult time a little easier and she will always be remembered fondly by our family. Rest in Peace ,dear Lady!

September 21, 2011

Helen Good bye our friend. We will cherish the memories. Mary & Bob Taylor

September 21, 2011

I have known Helen for 35 years, and had the pleasure of working with her as a Professor of Psychology when I joined the staff. In addition to her many academic and business accomplishments, and her professional titles over her busy lifetime, Helen was a down-to-earth, genuine, caring, compassionate and generous 'commoner' with a great sense of humor. Whether you were a company president or a street sweeper, Helen always greeted you with a warm smile, and called you by name. She was my role model. A finer human being would be hard to find. She will be missed by countless friends. Blessings Helen. Jane Burroughs

Terry and Karla Rothmann

September 21, 2011

Thank you Helen for your gentle leadership these many years. Our community is a better place because you were a part of it. Terry and Karla Rothmann

September 21, 2011

Our condolences to Helen's family. Thank you Helen for your gentle leadership these many years. Our community is a better place because you were in it. Terry and Karla Rothmann

CAT

September 21, 2011

I AM VERY BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU MISS HELEN!
WHAT AN INSPIRATION! I WILL MISS YOU GREATLY!
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU & ALL YOUR KIND WORDS
OF WISDOM. GOD BLESS YOU. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
LOVE, CAT

Denise Rocha

September 21, 2011

The community has lost a great leader, mentor and role model. Ms. Godfrey will certainly be missed!

Nancy & Bill Neuman

September 21, 2011

Sorry to read of Dr. Godfrey's passing. She was a lovely person and wonderful neighbor of ours on Round Lake in Waupaca. I am certain that she will be missed by all of those on Round Lake.
* Nancy & Bill Neuman, formerly of Waupaca, WI

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