David Lee Godwin, 69, of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday morning, March 3, 2016, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center in Austin.

David was born Nov. 18, 1946, in Austin, Minnesota, to Robert and Ruby Gladys (Skauge) Godwin. He married LaVonne June Day (Fawn) on June 19, 1976, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin. To this union a daughter Heather was born, whom David cherished. David was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 703 since 1983. David worked various jobs including Brown Printing Company in Waseca. He was a gas attendant for Phillips 66 when gas was 30-40 cents a gallon. At times there would be gas wars of 19-25 cents a gallon. In the late 1970s and 1980s, David worked for Von Ruden Industries in Owatonna until the company folded. In the 1990s, David joined Cedar Valley Services driving forklift, and then drove truck until his illness forced him to retire early. David enjoyed playing horseshoes and having a few beers with his brothers-in-law Farrell and Darrell. He also enjoyed road trips with his brother-in-law Jim just to pick up a few pull tabs. Hmmm…what were you guys up to? David loved to watch NASCAR races. His favorite driver was Tony Stewart. His favorite pastime was watching TV, especially James Bond, Charles Bronson, and Clint Eastwood movies. He loved his cat Caddie, who always slept on his lap, and most of all he loved his wife LaVonne and his daughter Heather. David was also very close with his in-laws.

David is survived by his wife LaVonne of Brownsdale, Minnesota; his daughter Heather, also of Brownsdale; his uncle Norman Skauge of Austin, Minnesota; special cousin Barbara Johnson and family of Austin, who would be there at the drop of a hat; Robert Day of Lyle, Minnesota, who visited him regularly; brother-in-law James (Marilyn) Day of Brownsdale, Minnesota, brother-in-law Farrell (Dawyna) Day of Harlingen, Texas; sister-in-law Carrell Bathke of Wells, Minnesota; nieces, nephews; cousins; and many friends.

David joins in heaven his mother Ruby; dad Robert; two sisters, Bonnie and Rose Marie; brother Tommy; aunt Ardis Newman; cousins Bobby and Dennis Newman; in-laws he was close to including Marie, Laurel, Darrell, Dawn, Edgar; niece Michelle; and his beloved cat Caddie.

Dave was a kind and gentle giant of a man. He was a good husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  A special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at Comforcare who have taken such great care of David, to Austin Hospice, to the Austin Salvation Army staff and volunteers for the lunch they will be providing, and especially to Chaplain Theresa and Abby for their wonderful comforting visits with David. The family appreciates all of you. Take care and God bless.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Chaplain Theresa Turnbull officiating. There will be a visitation for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.