2020/01/obit-bodde-IMG_2554-184x300.jpgJohn Henry Bodde, born July 16, 1930, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2019, at the age of 87 at his home in Pagosa Springs, Colo. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy; one daughter, Doretta (Dennis) Ward, of Colorado; five sons: Matthew Bodde, of California, Vince (Brenda) Bodde, of Michigan, William (Julie) Bodde, of Massachusetts, Tim (Susie) Bodde, of Missouri, George (Peggy) Bodde, of Colorado; three sisters: Mary Katherine (Bill) Duncan, Jerry (Clement) Sullivan, Bea (Joe) Rafanelli; and 10 grandchildren: Sara (Roman) Hechi, Greg Bodde, Ben (Caroline) Bodde, Richard Ward, Jacob Bodde, Max Bodde, Devon Bodde, Samantha Bodde, Henry Bodde and Lucy Bodde. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws. John was preceded in death by parents Henry and Mary Bodde and sister Lillian Bodde.
John was born in Valley Falls, Kan. He became a Navy pilot and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in business. John retired from his job as a contract manager for a U.S. defense contractor and then spent many happy years on a lake house in Jackson, Mich., that he and Dorothy built. He was an avid runner and loved building and flying remote control planes. John also built and piloted an ultralight aircraft. He and Dorothy fell in love with Pagosa Springs while on a tour of the West and began spending winters in Pagosa because of their love of cross-country skiing. They became full-time residents of Pagosa in 2012. John made valued friendships within the High Country RC Club and spent time every week on the flying field. He also rode his bike daily until his battle with cancer prevented him from doing so. John will always be remembered for his storytelling and sense of humor, traits that continue to live on through his children.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary/Pope John Paul II Church, 353 S. Pagosa Blvd., Pagosa Springs, with Father Jim Koenigsfeld officiating. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the Mass, and a private inurnment will occur in the Columbarium Garden at the church following the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name can be made to Pope John Paul II Church.
