William Cyril "Bill" Bodell

William "Bill" Cyril Bodell passed away in Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. His final days were spent surrounded by family and those who loved him most.

Bill was an extraordinary son, brother, father, grandfather and person. There was never a dull moment around him and everyone who was lucky to know him also knew his kind and loving soul.

Bill was 91 years old at the time of his passing and he lived every one of those years to the fullest. He is now at peace.

Bill was born on July 16, 1934, in Lima, Ohio to Thomas Cyril and Esther Clara (Decker) Bodell. After graduating from high school, he went on to attend Michigan Tech University and received a degree in Mining Engineering. Bill also served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers for two years. Throughout his long career, he served as an engineer in the mining, chemical, and materials industries, and worked in Dove Creek, Colorado, Butte, Montana, Terre Haute, Indiana, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

In his retirement, Bill found happiness spending time with his grandkids, who he held every moment he was around them and showered them in unconditional love. He never took a single moment for granted.

Bill was also a lover of dogs and had several in his life who had incredible times on this earth with him as a companion. He is reunited with them now, chasing tennis balls and going for long walks out in the countryside.

Anyone who knew Bill also knew his love for the West. He instilled a deep love of the Rocky Mountains into his son Erik and his granddaughter, Mackenzie. Because of him, they both found a lot of love and happiness in the desert and will hold those places special in their hearts as they continue on with their lives.

Bill also proudly carried a rich family legacy with the Lima Locomotive Works, sharing his passion for trains with his grandson and namesake, William. Their love for locomotives was more than a hobby- it was a cherished tradition that Bill lovingly passed down. Together, Bill and Cullen spent countless hours building intricate train tracks and riding trains, creating unforgettable memories and deepening their special bond.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Cyril Bodell; mother, Ester Bodell; and sister, Clara Jean Huff. He is survived by his loving son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Erik and Megan Ann Bodell and their children, William Cullen, Mackenzie Jane Bodell, Clay and Alec Selberg. Also surviving is his wonderful daughter and son-in-law, Wendy Kathleen and Steve Lewis and their children, Elizabeth Schuyler, Auston and Trent Lewis.

Bill will be laid to rest on February 27, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. He will be greatly missed and his stories will never be forgotten.