Michael Bode Obituary
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Vietnam War in the military police.
He attended Kent State University and the National Swiss Academy where he studied theatre, hospitality, and the culinary arts. Prior to attending the National Swiss Academy, Mike took a hiatus from the world and backpacked around Switzerland for 3 years.
After Mike returned home he rejoined his parents in the family business, Big Hickory Fishing Nook Restaurant on Hickory Blvd. He worked at the restaurant from 1968 until 2009. Mike dabbled in the wine & cheese shop, Hickory Island Vineyard, where he brought his skills to fruition from the National Swiss Academy. He also had a passion for music and worked as a DJ and program director for Q-96, Smooth Jazz, the Gulf and WIXI 105, Big Band. He never met a microphone he didn't like.
He was a member of the Noon Rotary Club of Bonita Springs and a former president of the Vail, Colorado Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce.
He is survived by the love of his life, Ruth Ann Bode whom he married in 1987 and two daughters, Jessica Bowen and her husband, Michael of Cooper City, FL and Morgan Bode of Bonita Springs, FL; his brother, Fred Bode and his wife, Candice of Bonita Springs; and his three nieces, Cheri and her husband, Dan, Tara and her husband, Dennis and Nikki and her husband, John.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, June 25th at
10:30AM at Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home 28300 So. Tamiami Tr., Bonita Springs.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFunealHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home family Owned and Operated Since 1978.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Connie McNair
November 21, 2025
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Mike Bode, who was not only my favorite boss but also the most creative person I have ever met in radio. Our time together at Smooth Jazz, 98.9, The Gulf, holds a special place in my heart. Mike was the person who taught me everything I know about radio and took a chance on me, allowing me to do mid-day announcing, production, and voicing all the female spots. His belief in me was a turning point in my career. I fondly remember how he praised the success of the show he created, "At the Phil," and mentored me in the arts of "theatre of the mind."
Mike was a brilliant entertainer, possessing a sharp wit and intelligence, along with impressive culinary skills. This loss must be incredibly profound for his family and friends. Mike will forever remain in my heart and memory as a friend, entertainer, and boss. Working with him on "a morning spice," as he called it during his morning show, was always exhilarating. Our live remotes at the beach during the Sunset Celebrations and concert shows were some of the highlights of my time at "The Gulf." Ed Calle was one of my favorites during those times.
My years working with Mike are cherished memories, as it was my favorite job ever under the guidance of the most creative and kind person in the field. Rest in peace, old friend. This message comes from California, my original home, and I too share a love for the Swiss Alps. I will think of you whenever I travel to the Jungfrau.
With love,
Connie St. James, the name you gave me.
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Connie McNair
November 21, 2025
Condolences to the family of Mike Bode, my favorite boss and the most creative person I have ever met in Radio. Our time at Smooth Jazz, 98.9, the Gulf was highly memorable. Mike taught me everything I know about radio and was willing to give me a chance on the air doing mid-day announcing, production and voicing all the female spots. He even commented on my success of the Show he created, "At the Phil" and taught me all the ins and outs in the arts of "theatre of the mind". Mike was a brilliant entertainer, funny and an highly intelligent man, along with possessing excellent culinary skills. This must have been a huge loss for the family and friends. Mike will forever be in my heart and memory as a friend, entertainer and boss. Doing "a morning spice" with him, as he called it during his morning show, was was exhilarating. And, our live remotes at the beach doing the Sunset Celebrations and concert shows were the highlights of working at "The Gulf". Ed Calle was a favorite. My years working with him will forever be in my mind and considered my favorite job ever by the most creative and kind person in the field. Rest in peace old friend, written from California, my original home. I too share the love of the Swiss Alps. I will think of you whenever I travel to the Jungfrau.
Love,
Connie St. James, the name you gave me.
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