Dudley James Godfrey Jr.

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Wauwatosa East High School University of Wisconsin

Dudley Godfrey Obituary

Godfrey, Dudley James Jr Age 81 of Milwaukee, died peacefully at home on Thursday, December 20, 2007 in the presence of his family and caregivers. Dudley was born in Milwaukee on March 29, 1926, a son of the late Dudley James Godfrey and Norma Kieckhefer Godfrey. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Constance Pember Godfrey, his sons Dudley James Godfrey III (Lisa) and Pieter Yates Godfrey (Jeanne) of Milwaukee, and Adam Perham Godfrey (Patricia) of New York City, and his five grandchildren, Ella Mayboeck Godfrey and Mercy Pember Godfrey of Milwaukee and Connor William Godfrey, Alyssa Catherine Godfrey and Ryan Dudley Godfrey of New York City. Also survived by his brother, Roger Godfrey (Signe), of Honolulu. Dudley graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1944 and was an active member of the football, basketball and golf teams. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. North Carolina in the Pacific. After the war, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his JD in 1952 from the University of Michigan Law School. After marrying Constance Pember in 1952, Dudley went to work for the Justice Department - Appellate Tax Division in Washington, D.C. He moved back to Milwaukee and in 1957, after having worked for a small law firm for two years, Dudley partnered with Gerald J. Kahn to establish the law firm of Godfrey & Kahn, which is now among the largest law firms in Wisconsin. In addition to his full-time law practice and keen interest in American decorative arts, Dudley was a strong supporter of many diverse charitable organizations, with his support often being provided anonymously. The family is profoundly grateful to the caregivers, friends and colleagues who have provided support to Dudley and the family. A service of remembrance, thanksgiving and celebration of life will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 914 East Knapp Street, Milwaukee at 3PM on Friday, December 28, 2007. A reception will follow the service at the University Club of Milwaukee at 924 East Wells Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Milwaukee Art Museum or the charity of your choice will be appreciated.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Dec. 23 to Dec. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Dudley Godfrey

5 Entries

Jan

December 28, 2007

I knew Dudley from the golf course, the bank and his work on the board of Serigraph. He was a great man and will be missed. He touched so many lives.

I remember him for early morning golf and the smile on his face. We would walk the course and talk about business and life. He would talk about where he was headed to later that day (many times he would play before he got on an international flight).

I'm thankful that he helped me recognize that I could do anything I set my mind to do and gave me inspiration to follow my dreams.

My thoughts are with his family.

Arthur (Archie) Aschenbrenner

December 27, 2007

I used to double date with Dudley back when we were in Wauwatosa High School.

Mary Gronnert

December 26, 2007

I was introduced to Mr. Godfrey in 1983 when he joined our Board of Directors at Schneider National. I always looked forward to seeing him at the meetings and enjoyed his phone calls. He was a wonderful man to work with. He will be missed.

Carol Rehak (G&K support staff of 20 years)

December 23, 2007

Mr. Godfrey cared about the support staff at Godfrey & Kahn. His style of “management by walking around” kept him in touch with what was going on in the firm.

Often, he could be found sitting in the G&K mail room chatting with the messengers, to a morning ritual of parking himself in the estate planning typist's office to read the W S J. He also knew the names of the building security guards, the maintenance staff and the loading dock operators. In addition, Mr. Godfrey took a genuine interest in the staff's personal lives and would participate in staff events such as birthday milestones, weddings, anniversaries and funerals.

Mr. Godfrey’s genuine interest in the support staff has not been forgotten and has helped to build valuable employee loyalty over the firm’s 50 year history.

He will be deeply missed by the support staff.

Gary Stein

December 23, 2007

Mr. Godfrey was a man's man and a mentor to me when I got started at the Polacheck Company. My fondest memory of him will be rembering the day we went to Augusta National to watch the Masters, 5:30 AM at the Airport with shirt and tie and working on files. Later in the day on the course the tie was loose and the sweat was pouring out him with giant smile and him asking me if this was not a great time? He will be missed

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