A lifelong resident of the Napoleon/Osgood area, Estol George Bodenberg, age 75 passed away early Friday, June 9, at his home surrounded by his family. Estol was born on November 30, 1941, the son of the late Clarence and Alma (Fruchtnicht) Bodenberg on the home farm outside of Napoleon.  Estol grew up with 3 sisters and 1 brother, learning early on that family matters.

He attended Napoleon High School and graduated in the class of 1959.  After school he was called to serve his country and was drafted into the Army in 1964.  His service lasted 2 years, seeing time spent from Fort Knox to Okinawa. He returned to the farm after the service, and began his work career.  He was raised in a generation where you worked hard   and provided for your family.  He spent nearly 40 years working as a factory employee at BCA in Greensburg and working long hours on his parent’s farm.  He was a faithful member of St John’s Lutheran Church and served various terms as a council member.

Estol met Janet (Amm) of Sunman and was united in marriage on May 11, 1968 at St. Jacob Church of Christ in Sunman, and recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.  Estol and Janet later purchased the farm and built a new home just south of the original homestead.  Estol and Janet were blessed with a daughter, Beth Ann (Brian) Heilers now of Indianapolis and son, Steve (Meghan) Bodenberg of Carmel.  He instilled a strong work ethic, faith, honesty and family values in his children.

Estol is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Beth Ann and son Steve;  grandchildren Claire, Natalie, Nathan, and Anna; brother Dave Bodenberg; sisters Alice Huffmeyer, Eileen Knigga, and Emma Lou Menchhofer. 

Visitation will be Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood from 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held Monday, June 12, 2017 at 10:00 am. at St John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon with doors opening at 9:00 am.  Memorials may be made to St John’s Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.

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