Richard Bodtke

Richard E. “Dick” Bodtke, 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at Manor Care Health Services in West Des Moines, Iowa after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Thursday, January 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service on Friday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery.

Richard was born on June 15, 1942 in Adair County, Iowa to Myrtle Mae (Seley) and Alfred Bodtke. He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1960. He married Marilyn Wilson in August of 1961 and to this union two daughters were born, Andrea Kay and Laura Anne. During this time Dick attended AIB in Des Moines, earning an Associate Degree in Accounting and Computer Science. He worked as a Systems Analyst for Central National Bank, Honeywell, and Sperry Univac until his family returned to rural Adair County in 1975 to run the Hebron Store. He worked as a private consultant for various companies in the Des Moines area until his retirement. Dick was a baptized member of Hebron United Methodist Church and was also a member of the Brotherhood of Masons. He was active in Za-Ga-Zig Shrine for many years.

In October of 1987 he was united in marriage to Connie Thurston. They resided in West Des Moines, Iowa where he continued working with and learning about computers and new technology. He loved grilling and cooking for his family and friends, and he especially cherished the fellowship and good times with his buddies on Friday nights at their “Friday Night Board Meetings.”

Survivors include his loving wife, Connie; daughter, Andrea (Luther) Schmidt of Concordia, MO and Laura (Brian) Kowert of Wheaton, IL; grandchildren, Samuel, Simon, Ethan, and Anna Claire; sister, Mary Theodore of Maryville, MO; sister-in-law, Deb Knolmayer of Clive, IA; brother-in-law, Kent Thurston of Highlands Ranch, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his in-laws, Larry and Wini Thurston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in care of Za-Ga-Zig Shrine or to Mercy Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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