Michael W. "Mike" Bodenhamer

Michael W. Bodenhamer, 68, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018, at Richmond Healthcare & Rehabilitation. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Tuesday, October 30th, at the mortuary. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with Fort Riley Honor Guard. Mike was born July 11, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Richard and Lucy (Gresham) Bodenhamer. He grew up in Independence, Missouri, living in many locations during his military service. In 2001, Mike moved to Ottawa. He attended Fort Osage High School in Independence. Survivors include three children, Tim Griffin and wife Melissa of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Nicole Young also of Grand Blanc, and Dawn Bodenhamer of Lyndonville, Vermont; four siblings, Carol Chapman of Ottawa, E.C. Morris and wife Donna of Independence, Missouri, Karen and husband Ted of Coffeyville, and Rick Bodenhamer of Independence, Kansas; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Bodenhamer and Lucy Morris and three brothers, Tommy Thomas, Ronnie Theesfeld and John Selleck. Mike was a 20-year veteran serving his country in the United States Army. He served from 1967 to 1988 in Vietnam, Korea and Germany attaining the rank of SFC E7 Sr. Personnel Sgt. He enjoyed his morning coffee with his friends at the Old 56 Family Restaurant, golfing and spending time with his poodle “Beauty”. Above all, Mike loved spending time with his family and watching TV, especially football. The family suggests memorial contributions to Vietnam Veterans of Franklin County c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Mike’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com