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Wayne Bodensteiner

wayne bodensteiner

November 24, 1948 ~ April 3, 2024

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Wayne Bodensteiner age 75 of Lawler, IA died Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Jim Secora celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Lawler. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church in Lawler on Tuesday. Wayne Albert "Wally" Bodensteiner, known for his quick wit and adventurous spirit, passed away on April 3, 2024, at the age of 75 due to complications of heart failure. Born on November 24, 1948, in New Hampton, Wally was a man whose laughter and friendship left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Wally's early years were spent in the nurturing environment of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School until the 8th grade. He was a member of the inaugural freshman class at Turkey Valley Community School, graduating in 1967. It was at the Inwood Dance Hall in Spillville where Wally's heart found its match in June Bentley from Fredericksburg. The couple wed on January 25, 1975, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Lawler, and their loving partnership was blessed with three wonderful children. Together, Wally and June cultivated a life full of love for family and farming on the Bodensteiner Homestead. As a lifelong farmer, Wally was deeply connected to the land, taking immense pride in his work, whether it was tending to his cattle and pigs or guiding his beloved John Deere tractors across the fields—although he humorously admitted to one “case of bad decisions" that led to a red tractor gracing his yard. The successful completion of the harvest season was the most anticipated and satisfying moment for Wally on the farm. Wally's interests extended beyond the farm. He was a man who savored the simple pleasure of sitting and visiting with family and friends, always ready with a witty remark—a trait that made every encounter with him a memorable one. Wally was one of the founding board members of the Jackson Heights Golf Course in 1992, marking his commitment to both his community and his love for golf. An avid golfer, Wally instilled the love of the game in his children, creating lasting memories on the greens of Jackson Heights and Plum Creek in Fredericksburg. In pursuit of leisure, Wally found joy in the simple pleasure of a day trip to the casino or the excitement of a spontaneous road trip across the United States with his beloved June. They cherished the journey as much as the destination, with Wally often taking the scenic route to savor the unexpected discoveries along the way. His sense of adventure even led him to board a plane for his daughter's wedding in Mexico, stepping boldly out of his comfort zone. Family was the cornerstone of Wally's life; he reveled in the joy of his five grandchildren, making the trek to the Des Moines area frequently, often once a month, to be a part of their lives. Wally will be remembered as a man who lived fully and loved deeply. Wally is survived by his children, Ross (Kinsey) of Clive, Jeff (Anna) of West Des Moines, and Jenna (Bob) Van Polen of Urbandale; his cherished grandchildren, Kasen, Brecken, and Tannen Bodensteiner, Sage and Balen Van Polen; his sisters, Ann (Tom) Mihm of Eagan, MN and Eileen (Carl) Huber of Dike. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ruth (Wenthold) Bodensteiner, and his beloved wife, June, who passed away on April 16, 2016.

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  4. This is so sad to hear. Our sympathies to the families. He was such a nice guy. 🙏🏻 He now is with June.

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  6. Oh, such sad news! So enjoyed visiting with him at the pharmacy. My sympathies to his family. May he rest in peace.🙏

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  20. Our deepest condolences to the Bodensteiner families. “Wallie B” was one of a kind. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

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  22. Sympathy to the family! A lot of great memories growing up since we were very close neighbors you will be missed 💙🙏💙

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  28. Such a wonderful fella he was. Going to miss him awfully. He sure was one of a kind. Always looked forward to visiting with him. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

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  30. Together again with June. Wayne was such a kind man. He will be missed by many. Sympathies to the families!

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  33. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Wally was one of my favorite people. Back in the arms of June. RIP you will be forever missed.

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  51. Prayers to the family. Wally was one of a kind and will be dearly missed!! D & D Farms won’t be the same without you!

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  58. So many precious memories with June and Wayne💞. My deepest sympathy to your family✝️

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  61. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family of Wayne. May he rest in peace.
    Jim & Mary Lou Busta

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  67. Our very deepest sympathies to Ross, Jeff, Jenna & all. Wally, what a good guy. Your Dad & Mom-together, again.

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  83. Our deepest condolences to Ross, Jeff, and Jenna. A Great sense of humor, that will never be repeated.

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  85. Our sympathy to the children . My husband worked with June. Wayne will now join her. Rest In Peace. He was such a great guy.

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  87. Sympathy to Wayne’s family. A guy with a great smile, fun growing up listening to conversations between him and my dad, always laughing.

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  93. We got to know Wayne back in the day of the Lawler Jaycees. We knew June from Tripoll connections. My sympathy to all of their children and their families.

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  96. Our Deepest Sympathy to Wayne’s family. Prayers and Thoughts are with you during this difficult time of loss.
    James & Lyn (Meissen) Bailey

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  100. Wayne was such a good hearted person. Such a great friend to my parents and to all who knew him….

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  104. My thoughts and prayers to the Bodensteiner family, Im so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a great guy!

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  106. Thought and prayers to Duane’s family during this difficult time. We have known Wally for awhile. He ALWAYS had a smart remark, but was fun and full of life.
    Randy & Mary Jane Leach

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  109. So sorry to see this news. Sending sincere prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Wally’s family.

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  110. Our sympathy to the entire family. Wally was such a good guy and will be greatly missed by so many. Joe & Diana

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  111. Many memories of June and you! You are both together now. Rest in peace Wayne. You will be missed by many. Sincerely Jack and Dianne

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  112. Wally, who saw us throwing apples from the bank’s roof or so many years ago? Many fun trips to Rochester. When you run into Mark, see if he remembers who won the money in Rochester one weekend! RIP!

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  116. Such a wonderful man. So very sad. My sympathy to Ross, Jeff, Jenna and their families. God bless

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  117. Deepest sympathy to Ross, Jeff and Jenna! Wally was one of a kind and we just loved him for that! Such a great guy! 🙏

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  122. In the ‘80’s at the ole feed store it was always enlightening when Wally would come in. He always had a funny tale to tell. Thank you Wally!

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  124. Condolences go to Wayne’s family. I worked for Wayne’s Dad Arnie back is the mid 50’s and got to know the family well. So sorry to learn of Wayne’s passing.

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