Obituary of Lyle George Godfrey

Lyle George Godfrey passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, after a long and difficult battle with Asbestosis. Lyle is preceded in death by his father George, mother Julia, stepfather Al Rikustad, and stepsister Carol Rikustad. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Norma, and sons Bret (Cheryl) and Jason (Carrie), grandson Keaton, sister Helen Pyke, and stepbrother David Rikustad.

After Lyle was diagnosed with a condition that he knew would eventually take his life, our family rallied around him. We spent as much time together as possible, and often reflected on his stories of growing up, losing his father at 14, how he became a carpenter, meeting mom, and how his life unfolded over the last 82 years. While life was never easy, even the painful stories seemed to have a funny lesson in them – somewhere.

After starting his own business designing and building over 20 homes in Wayzata, Plymouth, and Minnetonka, the crash of the housing market in the 1980s brought Lyle’s skills to the retail construction market. Over the next 25 years he would become the go-to person for Polo, Armani, and Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Well known for his woodworking skills and attention to detail, projects were often delayed until Lyle was available. This required a lot of travel, as well as a lot of patience and understanding from Norma. His final role was as a Project Manager where he oversaw the expansion of Northern Tool stores around the country.

Finally putting his professional toolbelt down for the last time in 2008, he turned his attention to remodeling the home he bought with Norma in 1965 for the last time.  He swung his last hammer and cut his last board before he and Norma settled into a life of travel, their view of Lake Minnetonka, fires in the fireplace, and quality time with family.
Lyle would be proud to be remembered as a hard worker, a respected craftsman, a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a doting grandfather. 

He knew the value of each day on this earth and fought hard to stay with us as long as he could. His legacy and love for family will go on.  Thanks for all the lessons, dad.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, February 4th starting at 2pm at First Memorial Funeral Chapel, France Avenue South, Edina