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DONALD BODEY Obituary

DONALD BODEY, 73, of Tri-Lakes, Ind, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020. Don was a Fort Wayne native who graduated from North Side High School. He attended Purdue University and received his Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Oregon. He was a Vietnam veteran and award-winning author of "F.N.G" He was a teacher of writing and a carpenter who loved to mentor others in those crafts. He was fond of nature and dedicated to its care and had a special affinity for wood -its scent and color and grain. He was a persistent Cubs fan. He will be forever connected to and missed by his wife, Clare; his son, Skyler; and his brother, Bob, along with the many whose lives he touched. No service will be held at deceased's request. Memorials may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Midwest Funeral Home and Cremation Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Jun. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for DONALD BODEY

Sponsored by Victor R. Volkman, Modern History Press.

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Clare

June 15, 2025

The day after Don died was father's day. I walked my dog across a field, still numb and untethered. As we crossed, a double rainbow appeared. Exactly like the double that Don, Sky and I posed in front of in Algoma, WI while he was struggling. We had driven through a waterfall of a rain, then it appeared. Don said as he nearly plastered his nose against the windshield, "Man, that is one righteous rainbow."

Fernando Bernall

February 23, 2025

Don, I'm so sorry to learn about your passing.. I have throughout the years thought about you.. How you saved my wife and son from the fire in your house one cold day in December of 1985 in Chicago. You put her and my son Paul, first. You turned me on to J.J. Cale. Along with your brother Bob, you guys were two special people in my life. I will forever miss you brother..

Fernando

Vincent j Zielinski

June 26, 2024

Dear Don: I can never forget you, tho we were friends thru our wives, for a few short years. Being a fellow Vietnam vet myself. I knew your passion, Jamie and I will miss your likable nature, see you again one day!
Vinny

Victor Volkman

June 25, 2020

Don Bodey was a friend of mine. As his publisher I always appreciated his wit and self-deprecating humor. He will eventually be recognized as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Godspeed Don in your tour as FNG.

LARAINA & MIKE SEIGEL

June 22, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DON. HE WAS NOT ONLY A NEIGHBOR BUT A FRIEND. YOU'RE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Chiara

June 22, 2020

I remember Don spending a night sleeping on the floor, arm around my paralyzed and frightened dog the night before we put him down. Thanks for being that kind of person.

Uncle Richard

June 22, 2020

I can never forget the intensity with which Don made a countertop paper towel dispenser. Having read F.N.G., I imagined much of what he did, said and thought involved a similar level of intensity. No one who knew him could not feel a sense of loss and I am sure this is especially true for Clare and Skyler. My sincere condolences.

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Midwest Funeral Home & Cremation Society - Newaygo Rd.

4602 Newaygo Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

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