Leo Bodener passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 15, 2002 at the Chilliwack General Hospital, at the age of 78. He was born July 11, 1924 in Volhynia, Russia, the third child of Julius and Amanda Bodener. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1928.
The family settled on a farm in New Sarepta, Alberta in 1932. Leo, being the only boy at home, worked very hard at an early age to help establish the farm. In April of 1948, the family moved to Chilliwack, BC where they operated a dairy farm in the Sardis area.
On August 20, 1952, Leo married Frieda Frey and they took over the operation of the family farm and lived there for 32 years. They retired from farming in 1984 and moved to Stevenson Road. In June of 1998 they made their home in The Birchwood. Leo was a member of the Evangelical Missionary Church for more than 50 years.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am. on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at the Evangelical Missionary Church located on the corner of Princess and Williams Street in Chilliwack. Pastor Glenn Fretz officiating. Interment at IOOF Cemetery. Casket Bearers: Glen Krause, Gerry Mammel, Lyle Mammel, Jeff Mammel, Colin Fleenor, and Phil Houston. Ushers: Arlene Giesbrecht and Sandra Houston.
Leo is survived by his loving wife, Frieda; three sisters, Ella Ritz, Anges (Fred) Mammel, Dorleen (Ken) Krause; one brother, Clarence (Mary) Bodener; and many nieces, nephews and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents Julius and Amanda Bodener; his sister Alma Mammel, a brother Reinhard in infancy; and brothers-in-law Arnold Mammel and Helmut Ritz.
Should family and friends so desire, donations may be made to Charis Camp.