To view David's Memorial Liturgy, please click HERE.

David Allen Godfread passed away peacefully in Grand Forks, North Dakota, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, service, and quiet leadership. He was born in Minot, North Dakota, to Frank and Ruth Godfread and grew up in Stanley, North Dakota. He graduated from Stanley High School and went on to attend the University of North Dakota on a basketball scholarship from 1965 to 1969, majoring in physical education and mathematics — a combination that perfectly captured who he was: equal parts discipline, fundamentals, and doing things the right way.

While at UND, Dave met the love of his life, Judy, and on July 3, 1970, they were married. Together, they built a family that would always be his greatest team. Dave was the proud father of three sons — Marc, Jeff, and Jon — and nothing made him prouder than watching his kids, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, learn, compete, and find their way. He rarely bragged, but if you listened closely, you knew.

Family was always Dave's greatest pride. He was a devoted husband and a deeply proud father to his three sons. His joy multiplied with the arrival of grandchildren, Madison, Brenna, Ava, Braedon, Jamison, Dylan, Harrison, Reagan, and Thatcher, and later great-grandchildren, Colter and Wells. Dave showed his love through presence, follow-through, and unwavering support — never missing what mattered and always keeping his promises.

Dave lived a life of service, beginning with humble jobs that shaped his lifelong work ethic — carrying newspapers, loading railroad wood, managing a Tastee Freeze, and working at Bridgeman's Creamery and Stardust Manor Hotel. He could never stand being idle. Even in retirement, he worked as a beet truck driver and at Menards, believing deeply in the dignity of work and the importance of being productive.

His true calling, however, was education and coaching. After completing his playing career at UND, Dave served as the university's freshman basketball coach under Dave Gunther while pursuing his master's degree. He went on to coach and teach at Garrison High School and Bottineau High School before joining the University of Mary in 1976 as an associate basketball coach. During his years with the Marauders, the program won 166 games, averaging nearly 24 wins per season. The 1981–1982 team posted a 30–3 record, won the NAIA District 12 Tournament, and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament — the first North Dakota team to do so in more than 20 years. Dave was later inducted into the University of Mary Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service.

But Dave was remembered for far more than wins. He was a mentor, role model, and trusted guide to countless students and colleagues. Known for his honesty, integrity, and quiet strength, Dave gave generously of himself without seeking recognition and received whatever came his way with grace and gratitude.

In 1983, after earning a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis on Administration from South Dakota State University, Dave transitioned into educational leadership, serving as principal at Saint Mary's Central High School in Bismarck before moving to Grand Forks, where he became associate principal at South Middle School. He later served as principal at Grand Forks Community High School and director of Adult Learning, and ultimately concluded his career there, retiring in 2009 after 20 years of service.

Of all his professional roles, being a high school principal meant the most to him. He believed deeply that students were more than their mistakes, once telling a local newspaper, "The neat thing about alternative high schools is that the students always can come back and fix their mistakes." That belief guided his life's work. Dave was especially drawn to students who needed a second chance or sometimes a third, and gave them structure, accountability, and the dignity of believing they could still get it right.

Dave was a man of few words. When he spoke, people listened. He led by example, commanded respect, and influenced more lives than he ever realized. His advice was honest, sometimes hard to hear, but always rooted in what was right.

Outside of work, Dave loved fishing, hunting, watching sports, and tinkering in the garage. Some of the family's favorite memories were made fishing at Buffalo Bay, five tall people squeezed into a six-person tent, and around the kitchen table on Sundays after church, enjoying Dad's world-famous omelets. He loved good-natured banter with his boys and found joy in the simple moments that made life meaningful.

Those who knew Dave will forever hear his familiar phrases: "You're burning daylight." "Make it last." "Take care of your equipment and your equipment will take care of you." These were more than sayings; they were lessons in how to live.

In his final season, Dave found peace knowing he had given everything he had to his family, to his players, to his students, and to his community. He measured success not by trophies or titles, but by the people who walked through his doors and left stronger, steadier, and more confident than when they arrived.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Godfread; his in-laws, Bea and Ray Alsdurf; his brother, Charles; his brothers-in-law, Chuck Alsdurf and Dave Snider; his sister-in-law, Monica; and many aunts, uncles, teammates, and friends.

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, generations of students and athletes who learned from him, great friends who will miss his steady presence and a legacy that lives on every time someone chooses integrity, effort, and doing the right thing — even when it's hard.

If Dave could leave one final message, it would be simple: live with integrity, love your family well, and make it last.

A Memorial Liturgy: Celebrating Dave's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 in the Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the funeral home on Saturday.