Connie Thurston Bodtke
May 26, 2020
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Service Details
Constance (Connie) Kay (Thurston) Bodtke, 73, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.
Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Thursday, June 11, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. and the funeral service on Friday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually through the link below. Connie’s cremated remains will be buried at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines at a later date.
Born on June 12, 1946 in Des Moines, IA to Winifred (Brown) and Lawrence Thurston, Connie attended Roosevelt High School and then Iowa State University, graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in Textiles and Clothing Merchandizing in 1969. She worked in retail, as a buyer at L.S. Ayers in Indianapolis, IN for 17 years, returning to Iowa in 1987 to be closer to family. She married Richard Bodtke in October 1987. They resided in West Des Moines, IA. She worked for Younkers in the buying office until they merged with Bon-Ton and closed the Des Moines based headquarters in 2003. She briefly worked at the Valley West Younkers store until changing her career path in 2005 working for Sullivan-Ward Law firm as a legal assistant for 12 years before retiring in December 2017.
Connie loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a loving, kind soul with a heart of gold. She was a true friend to many, always quick with a story and a laugh. She made friends easily and her friendships remained strong regardless of time or distance. Even after years apart, she could pick up with her friends as if she had seen them frequently. She was always eager to help friends in need, always lifting spirits with her infectious laughter and stories.
Connie is survived by her brother, Kent (Jane) Thurston, Highlands Ranch, CO and sister, Deb (Willie) Knolmayer, Clive, IA; nephew, Dean (Blythe) Thurston; nieces, Deanna (Mark) Ludwig, Dani (Greg) Kallio, Carrie (Scott) Farlow-Sorge; great-nephews, Drake Ludwig, Kendrick Bledsoe and great-niece, Bailey Ludwig; step-daughters, Andrea (Luther) Schmidt and Laura (Brian) Kowert; grandchildren, Sam, Simon, Ethan and Anna. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Richard Bodtke and niece, Dale Ann Bledsoe.
The family would like to thank the staff at Kavanagh House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa for the wonderful care and support they provided in Connie’s last days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to American Red Cross and/or EveryStep Kavanagh House Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
ellen batten
06/12/2020
Sorry the three of us missed the opportunity to view family pictures together and identify the people.
Rich and Kari Schulte
06/10/2020
We are so sorry to hear about Connie. I worked with her at Younkers, and had a lot of fun with both she and Richard. What a smart, run, classy gal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
F B
06/03/2020
Sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. Know that caring thoughts are with you. Know that God has promised to "swallow up death forever"- Isaiah 25:8, and that he will resurrect our dear loved ones who have passed away- John 5:28.
Ann and Larry Blumberg
06/03/2020
Larry and I were classmates of Connie, Larry thru grade school to Roosevelt. Connie was a lovely person and it was our privilege to know her. She thought the world of you her wonderful family. May your memories help you at this time.
Judy Trimble
06/02/2020
I have been Connies neighbor for 10-years. She was such a caring and compassionate soul, always putting others first and not thinking of herself. She went to see Dick everyday for 2 years, while also taking care of her neighbor 2-3 times daily, and worked full time throughout, never complaining, often overtired from the rigors. We found time to go out to her favorite restaurants for food, wine and conversation, or go to DQ for our Concrete Mixer fix, or pig out on Hostess Sno-Balls together. We shared so much fun, many laughs, many stories. I heard about her abundant, wonderful friends whom she treasured. All she wanted to do in her last few months was to go out and be with those she loved. The tragedy of COVID-19 forcing everyone to stay inside took that away from her and has been heartbreaking. Her friends and family have lost a very special, endearing presence in their lives. But a person isnt really gone until the last person on earth who knew them has gone. So we are all enriched by Connie living in our hearts and memories for decades to come.
Brenda Sellner
06/01/2020
Worked with Connie at Younkers. Enjoyed working with her so much. Great person. Connie will be missed. Blessed be her memory.
Jacqui Essy
06/01/2020
I had the privilege of being a fellow volunteer at the WDM Human Services Clothes Closet with Connie. She was so great to work with compassionate, wise, dependable, laugh-out-loud funny and genuine. I really looked forward to every opportunity to be in her presence. My heartfelt condolences to her dearly-loved ones. May her precious soul Rest In Peace.