Ralph F. “Bibs” Godfrey, age 88, of the Gladstone area died Saturday, February 11th, 2006 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He has been a patient at the Christian Park Health Care Center since August of 2003. “Bibs” was born December 28th, 1917 in Gladstone the son of Charles and Flossie (Pelkey) Godfrey and was raised in Gladstone.

In his early working years he was employed by the Civilian Conservation Corp and Stegath Lumber Co. in Escanaba, before entering military service with the Army Air Corps during World War II. After his honorable discharge, Ralph was employed for McGillis and Gibbs Co. in Gladstone and later for Clairmont Transfer Co. in Escanaba. At age 56, he retired from “Clairmonts” as a mechanic after many years of employment with them.

While serving in the military, “Bibs” married the former Gladys Micheau and she preceded him in death in 1978. He later married Paula Richards and she passed away in February of 2000.

Ralph was known to have enjoyed the outdoors and was a long-time and active member of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 and served as Commander of that Post for a period of time.

Ralph “Bibs” Godfrey’s survivors include:

3 Sons- Ralph (Nancy) Godfrey of Gladstone; Ray (Linda) Godfrey of Neillsville, WI; Lyle “Guy” (Shelly) Godfrey of Gladstone

1 Daughter- Judy (Paul) Terrien of Gladstone

3 Brothers- Lyle “Ding” (Carol) Godfrey of Brampton; Everette (Beverly) Godfrey of Escanaba; Gerald “Toots” Godfrey of Masonville

4 Sisters- Alice Micheau of Gladstone; Dorothy Micheau of Gladstone; Martha Eagle of Gladstone; Evelyn (Mike) Birkholz of Gladstone

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and spouses, he was preceded in death by: daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Donald Peterson; 7 brothers; Irving, Todd, Arthur, Robert, Peter, William and Walter Godfrey and by a grandson, Joshua Godfrey, and a great-grandson, Michael Terrien.

Ralph F. Godfrey’s family will receive friends on Tuesday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Military Rites will be conducted at 5:45 p.m. by the Gladstone American Legion. Services celebrating “Bibs” life will follow on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Joanne Bartelt officiating. Luncheon will follow service at the Gladstone American Legion Hall. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Godfrey family.