Ronald F. Bodda

Ronald F. Bodda, 86, of Rockford, died Friday, Sept. 30, 2016 at Wesley Willows with his wife and daughters at his side. He was born on June 25, 1930 in Rockford, the son of Carrol A. and Evelyn Kate (Reed) Bodda, and moved to Rochelle until his return to Rockford in 1940. Graduate of West High School class of 1948 and attended Rock Valley College and Rockford College. Ron enlisted in the US Army and served in Korea from 1949-1952 and during this time he married his loving wife, Georgia A. Doty in Rockford at Grace Methodist Church on January 5, 1952. Together they have enjoyed 64 wonderful years together, side by side at all times. Ron worked for Barber-Colman for 19 years in the production management department and then for North Health Care, also in their production management and personnel departments until his retirement in 1987. Ron was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, past member of Mason’s lodge 166, various church groups, and an active lifetime member of the Rockford Area Personnel Association. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed camping and traveling in their motorhome. He also volunteered for Lockwood Children’s Farm driving the tractor pulling the hay wagons. Ron loved baseball, playing all through his childhood and, as an adult, on a team at Grace Church. He continued his love of the game as a faithful Chicago Cubs fan. He was a kind and caring husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed dearly by his family and friends. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr.’s Tabraiz Mohammed, Sangita Deveshwar, Zaher Qassem, and Craig Rogers; to the staff at Wesley Willows; and to VNA Hospice for their compassionate care.

Survivors include his wife, Georgia of Rockford; daughters, Cynthia (Ian B.) Linnabary of Roscoe, Susan (Michael F.) Zielinski of Rockford and Barbara (Mark) Bressler of South Beloit; grandchildren, Ian K. (Amy) Linnabary, Anna Elisabeth (Jason) Downs, Michael A. (Kristen) Zielinski, Michaela (Gino) Cinquegrani, Kevin Zielinski, Christine Leonard, Allison Bressler, Daniel (Tessa) Bressler and Lucas Bressler; great grandchildren, Ian Connor, Aidan, Ella, Annalise, Maddox, Lennon, and Hazel, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Marilyn (Eugene) Whitney, and brother, Gerald Bodda.

Funeral service Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4055 N. Rockton Ave with visitation from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be held in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers a memorial in Ron’s name to: Lockwood Children’s Farm,c/o Rockford Park District. Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel is assisting the family. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com