Caroline M. Bodendein

Caroline Margaret (Hinrichs) Bodendein, age 95, of Reedsburg, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center. She was born on January 1, 1926 in Dellona Township, Sauk County, WI, the daughter of Edward and Gretchen (Maul) Hinrichs. On June 2, 1945 she married Johnnie Bodendein at St. Boniface in Lime Ridge.

Caroline worked hard beside her husband, Johnnie, on the farm driving tractors and milking cows, tended the garden and mowed the lawn. She also took care of all the household duties, and cooked three meals every day. She was a hard-working, dependable wife and mother to her children, Mike and Marcia. She experienced deep sadness at the loss of an infant son, Daniel, at birth. Caroline and Johnnie enjoyed traveling and square dancing.

Caroline was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in LaValle and spent many hours volunteering as a member of the Ladies Altar Society. She baked countless cakes and roasters of hot dishes for funerals.

After Caroline and Johnnie moved into the Ridgeview Independent Living condos, part of the Reedsburg Hospital complex, she enjoyed potluck and lunch with the ladies. After Johnnie’s death, she moved to the Senior Life Assisted Living, and later to full care nursing home. She spent six years in those two facilities where she received great care. The family is extremely thankful for all the caring staff.

She is survived by her son Michael (Kathy) Bodendein of Reedsburg, her daughter Marcia (Dale) Thompson of Reedsburg. She took great joy in her grandchildren Julie Bodendein of LaCrosse, Mandy (Corey) Schulte of Reedsburg, Matthew Hoy of Reedsburg; and her great-grandchildren Bristol and Rex Schulte.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband John Bodendein; an infant son Daniel; and her sibling, Edward (Mildred) Hinrichs.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Caroline will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church in LaValle with Father Sanctus Ibe officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the Mass at the church. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Reedsburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials of remembrance may be made to the Reedsburg Senior Life Center, or Holy Angels Parish in LaValle.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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