Gordon E. Bode

Gordon Edward Bode "Bode" , 72, of Cherry Valley, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2014 in his home after a long illness. Bode was born on January 20, 1942; son of Gordon and Ruth (Krumweide) Bode in Elgin, IL, the elder of two children. Graduate of Elgin High School, class of 1960. He met his loving wife Kathryn Wrasse in high school and they married on June 28, 1963 in Elgin, IL. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2013. In 1962, Bode began his career in the shoe business, living with his family in several different states in his first years of marriage, opening up stores for the Wohl Shoe Company. He moved to Rockford with his family in 1968, where they bought his current home in Cherry Valley. In 1970 Bode started his new career at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Belvidere, IL. He worked his way up from the mailroom to technical support supervisor in the data processing center during his 37 years of employment. He retired from Chrysler in 2007 to spend time with his family & friends. Bode was also an active volunteer with the Cherry Valley Fire Department from 1972 to 1982 and also served as a school inspector for the Cherry Valley District. He and his wife also had permits from Illinois to rehabilitate wildlife and were "rehabbers" for 25 years. Bode and Kathy, along with their children, were heavily involved in coordinating and leading the Rockford group of the International Student Fellowship Program, which was based in Chicago. They hosted many students during their 32 years in the program. Bode was loved and will be missed by friends and family throughout the world. As Bode would say... "Glad you got to see me."
Bode is survived by his wife, Kathryn; daughters, Jeaneil (Frank) Lanza of Rockton, IL and Robin (Bert Ekstedt) Bode; brother, Ned (Kathy) Bode of Deadwood, SD; grandchildren, Joseph (Laura) Lanza of Rock City, IL, Angeline Lanza and Antonio Lanza of Rockton, IL; aunt, Norma (Ralph) Bode of Chicago. Additional family includes Kathy's family in Elgin, IL and many friends throughout the country and world. Predeceased by his parents.
Based on Bode's final wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held. His daughters will be arranging a celebration of his life party to be held in the near future. For details on this celebration, friends and family can contact Bode's older daughter by email at jilshere@charter.net. Donations may be made in Bode's name to Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Rockford. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com