Allen G. Bode

Allen G. Bode, 81, passed away Monday, January 16, 2012, at Bay Pointe at the Atrium, Racine.

Allen was born at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, Illinois, on June 30, 1930. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tinley Park, Illinois. He graduated from Bloom High School, soon followed by service in the United States Army. Allen served in the Korean War as a medic with the 2nd Division. Among other honors, Allen was the recipient of Bronze Battle Stars, a combat medical badge, and the Purple Heart for wounds received while serving in battle conditions.

He married Rosemary Ratkowski in 1960. Allen is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his son, Thomas (M. Therese) Bode; and grandchildren, Thomas Loren Jr. (Tommy) and Theodore Allen (Teddy). He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenz and Alma Bode; three sisters, Selma Kuse, Sylvia Yunker and Lucile Klier; and three nephews, Wayne Klier, Henry Diment and Charles Grupp III. Allen is survived by other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Allen was a longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Frankfort, IL. Having moved to Racine in 2006, he frequently attended services at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Racine, Wisconsin, with his lifelong friend, Art Steinborn of South Milwaukee. Allen grew up on a farm in Illinois, continuing to farm for many years after beginning full-time employment with National Gypsum. Allen worked at the National Gypsum Company for over 40 years in a variety of roles, retiring as Operations Superintendent.

Funeral services for Allen will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 4340 Six Mile Road, on Saturday, January 21, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Larry Sheppard officiating. Family and friends are invited to meet with family members at the church from noon until the time of service. Allen will be buried at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors. Memorials to Hospice Alliance, Inc. of Kenosha, WI, have been suggested in lieu of flowers.

Allen’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Hospice Alliance nursing staff, who provided great comfort to Allen and his family during his final days.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888