Caroline K. Godfrey

Caroline Knudten Godfrey, 56, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on December 14, 2022, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family. Caroline, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend, knew one thing best: how to love with her whole heart. Anyone who had a chance to speak with her knew they were seen and deeply cared for in her presence. Whether it was consoling a child after a tough game, laughing across the table during a game of nertz, grieving with a friend in times of suffering, or sharing her faith with a neighbor, Caroline had the gift of channeling God’s love to everyone she met.

A faithful woman throughout her life, Caroline loved the Lord and trusted in God’s plan, even in the hardest moments of her life. Just as Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave her “yes” to the Lord, so too did Caroline give her “yes” every day.

Caroline was born on October 17, 1966, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to parents Herb and Anne (Locher) Knudten. She went on to play tennis at the University of Kentucky where she met the love of her life, Bill Godfrey. The two married on June 16, 1990, and cherished 32 years of marriage. Bill and Caroline lived a beautiful life serving and caring for one another. The two enjoyed hosting friends and family at their lake house, singing along to “A Groovy Kind of Love,” and asking each other, “have I told you how much I love you today?”

Caroline was devoted to raising her four children and loved every second of motherhood. She especially loved the times when her children would come together for family gatherings.

Caroline attended All Saints (Cedar Rapids), St. Monica, St. Maria Goretti, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishes, where she developed many life-long, treasured friends. She was very involved in her faith community and served as a leader on CRHP retreats, a mentor at the O’Connor House, and was involved in many Bible studies. Caroline enjoyed being an active member in the Guerin Catholic High School community.

Caroline is survived by her parents, Herb and Anne Knudten; husband, Bill Godfrey; children, Andrew (Megan) Godfrey, Kathryn (Peter) Johnston, Matthew (Reiley) Godfrey, and Luke Godfrey; grandchildren, Noah and Beau; siblings, Barbara Knudten and Bill (Brooke) Knudten; nephews, Nick and Joey; nieces, Kylie, Caitlin and Izzy; Aunt Laura Locher and family, and the extended Godfrey family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the O’Connor House: ​​https://www.theoconnorhouse.org/

A Visitation will be held Monday, December 19, from 9am EST to 12:30pm EST, with a Eulogy at 12:45 EST, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Road, Carmel, IN 46032. The Funeral Mass will take place at 1pm EST after the visitation, also at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

A livestream of Caroline’s funeral mass can be found at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/668627884901637 (the livestream will be available shortly before the funeral mass begins – you will need to login with a Facebook account, or make an account if you do not have one)