Obit: Bodamer, Joan E. (1927 – 2018)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bodamer, Brown, Hogg, Evans, Gilchrist, Tibbets

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 07 Mar 2018

Bodamer, Joan E. (2 OCT 1927 – 1 MAR 2018)

Joan E. Bodamer, 90, Chippewa Falls, formerly of Thorp, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Chippewa Manor Nursing Home in Chippewa Falls. There will be a time to gather and celebrate Joan’s life from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at Thorp Funeral Home in Thorp.

Joan Elise Brown was born on Oct. 2, 1927, in Neillsville, to Frank and Frances (nee Hogg) Brown. She was raised and received her education in the Neillsville area, where she graduated from high school in 1945. After completing high school, she attended Miss Woods Training School for Teachers of Young Children in Minneapolis from 1945-47. She fi rst taught school in Tomah, then went on to teach in Richland, Wash., and later in Great Falls, Mont. While in Great Falls, Joan worked at Malmstrom Air Force Base in the U.S.O. It was there that she met her future husband, Robert L. Bodamer, and they were married on June 6, 1952. After his discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Peoria, Ill., and Grand Forks, N.D., and finally settled in Thorp in 1959. She taught school in Willard and then in Greenwood until retiring. They moved to a home on Lake Wissota, where she resided until her death. Joan had many interests, but especially loved camping, quilting, teaching knitting, painting hand-blown eggs for Easter and traveling. She was also a member of the Eastern Star.

She will be sadly missed by four children: Philip (Tami) Bodamer of Gearhart, Ore., Jennifer (Robert) Evans of Zephyr Cove, Nev., Paul Bodamer of Thorp, and Jessica (Dewey) Gilchrist of De Forest; five grandchildren: Nikki, Christopher, Stephanie, Chelsea and Trisha; nine great-grandchildren; one sister: Marguerite Tibbetts of Eau Claire; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; and one brother, Edward Brown.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice in Joan’s name.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.