Donald Bodelin

Don was born May 29, 1931, in Iron Mountain, the son of the late John and Eva (Broullire) Bodelin. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1949 and married Mary (Piper) in 1951 at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Mary preceded him in death in December 2014 after 63 years of marriage.

Don and Mary served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. He had many interesting assignments during his career such as an early drone/antiaircraft gunnery training program on the OQ Range in Avon Park, Florida; electronic guidance technology on ATLAS Minuteman missiles in Kansas; and SAC-MET (manpower engineering) team member at KI Sawyer. His final station at KI Sawyer brought them home to the land that they loved.

After retirement Don and Mary bought property near Norway Lake and built a log home called “The Pines.” They literally built it themselves from the pines logged from their land. It was Don’s dream come true!

Don was more than energetic and never met a stranger. He loved to hunt, fish, trap and build. He lived his life to the fullest and has now gone home to be with the Lord.

He is survived by a son, James Bodelin of Neenah, Wis.; a daughter, Janise (Barry) Webb of St. Peters, Mo.; a son-in-law, Fred Bucan of Kronenwetter, Wis.; four grandchildren, Kelly (Dan) Webb-Midden, Mitchell (Alex) Bucan, Nicholas Bodelin and Casey Bucan; and four great-grandchildren, August, Dorothy and Mickey Midden, and Kash Bucan.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Bodelin and a daughter, Dr. Terry Bucan.

Due to the pandemic a graveside only service will be held on Monday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50, assisted by the United States Air Force, will conduct military graveside honors.

Condolences to the family of Donald Bodelin may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.