Ronald Godfrey

Ronald Godfrey, age 81, of Battle Lake, passed away on October 10, 2025, with his wife, children, and friends by his side, at the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Ron was born in Langdon, ND, on April 25, 1944, to parents Chuck and June (Oakland) Godfrey. He grew up in Hannah, ND, with his two brothers and attended school there until his parents passed away in 1960. He then moved to Walhalla, ND, to live with his aunt and uncle, Patrick and Alma (Oakland) Marcotte, and their family. He graduated from Walhalla High School in 1962.

Ron attended Mayville State College, where he earned a double major in Elementary Education and Music in 1966.

He began his teaching career in Wishek, ND, in the fall of 1966 and was joined one year later by “the one who made my life complete.”

After five years of dating, Ron married Meredith Grieve in August 1967 and always wanted to be by her side. Their storybook relationship was briefly interrupted when Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1969. He began his service at Fort Lewis, Washington, and later trained in field artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. When sent overseas, his assignment changed, and Ron became a member of the Bayonet Chorus of the 7th Infantry Division stationed at Camp Casey in South Korea. Ron and Meredith communicated through daily letters and by recording messages on cassette tapes every other week. He was honorably discharged in March 1971 and returned to his loving wife.

Ron, Meredith, and their one-year-old son, Tony, moved to Battle Lake, MN, in 1973. Their family was completed with the births of Mark and Karen. In addition to teaching, Ron was deeply involved in school activities. He began by lending his rich baritone voice to announce football games, a post he proudly held for more than 40 years. If there was an event in the gym, he was likely at the scorer’s table announcing and running the clock or refereeing junior high basketball. In the spring, he coached golf, walking the course with a seven iron and a putter. Ron was a true supporter of everything Battle Lake Schools.

As a member of the community, Ron served in many roles at the American Legion Post 289, was a lector at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, was always ready to assist with road races at Wenonga Days or Lake Country Gardens, and as a driving instructor, he accompanied many students for hours as they completed their behind-the-wheel driver’s education.

Ron retired from teaching in 2004 and convinced Meredith to retire early so they could begin their next chapter together. Summers in Battle Lake included golf, pontoon cruises, fishing, bike rides, walks, traveling to visit family (especially the grandkids) and friends, and drilling holes in golf balls or cutting bowling balls in half for homemade yard games and lawn ornaments. Winters, which always started too soon, were spent in Texas among familiar faces and new friends. Ocean cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, along with quick trips to Mexico, were among their favorite adventures.

Ron eventually moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN. The wonderful staff there provided exceptional kindness and made his days gentle and comfortable. They are truly angels among us. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received.

Ron is survived by his wife, Meredith; children, Mark (Lauranna) and Karen (Chris) Godin; daughter-in-law, Brandee; grandchildren, Isaac, Miles, Maya, Anna, Elise, and Addie. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his aunt and uncle; his brothers, Darrell and David; his nephew, Darrell Lynn; and his son, Tony.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Battle Lake. Visitation will take place at the church one hour before Mass.

Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on November 26, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Battle Lake 542 Education Foundation at https://www.542foundation.com or to support recreational activities at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls at https://mn.gov/mdva/donate/fergus-falls-donations.jsp