Gene R. Bodde

Gene passed away quietly in his sleep on February 22, 2025. Gene was born on May 3, 1946, at Theda Clark (now ThedaCare) in Neenah, WI, to Robert and Rita L. (Pitch) Bodde. He grew up, went to school and worked in Milwaukee where he met his wife, Judy Danke. They eventually moved up north to open a bar. Judy died in a house fire while saving their infant son Shane. Shane and Gene eventually moved back to Milwaukee and then to the Kaukauna area.

Gene loved spending time at the auto races at WIR, creating things, watching westerns and watching/attending Brewers games. He also enjoyed an occasional hunting trip and enjoyed the woods with his brothers. One of his unspoken joys was seeing his family have fun, laughing and smiling. The smile in his eyes said it all!

Gene is survived by his son Shane and granddaughter Chalyce Bodde. He is also survived by sisters Barbara M. (Gary) Seegers, Gloria A. (David) Faccio, and brother Anthony (Kimberly) Bodde. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Rita Bodde; sister Karen Bodde; brother Kenneth Bodde and wife Pat; and sister-in-law Kimberly Bodde.

Gene’s motto was always “keep on moving, keep on walking” and he did to the end!

A celebration of life will be held from 3:00pm until 5:00pm on March 16, 2025, at the VFW hall on Highway 55 in Freedom.