Obituaries

Gary A Bodinger

Oct. 19, 1947 - Sept. 25, 2026 - Stockbridge, WI

Funeral Service

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026

11:30 am


Wieting Family Funeral Home

411 W Main St.

Chilton, WI 53014

Funeral Visitation

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026

9:00 am - 11:15 am


Wieting Family Funeral Home

411 W Main St.

Chilton, WI

Gary A Bodinger

Stockbridge WI

Gary A. Bodinger, age 78, of Stockbridge, went home to be with Jesus, on Friday, September 25, 2026, after a battle with glioblastoma, at Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  He was born on the family farm, October 19, 1947 in Stockbridge, son of the late Alexius & Jennie (Lau) Bodinger.

It was on this farm that Gary was raised and developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the outdoors.  While attending school, he met Linda Hostettler and their relationship bloomed into becoming high school sweethearts.  On July 1, 1967, the couple was married at the Reformed Church in Forest Junction, Wisconsin.  They enjoyed 59 years together.  

Previous to marriage, as soon as Gary was old enough to obtain a job, he applied for a position with Tecumseh Motors in New Holstein and was offered a job that night.  Upon further review, Gary told them that it was his birthday and he wasn’t wearing the proper shoes, so he delayed his working career until the following night.  Shortly after his marriage to Linda, Gary was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1968.  He served during the Vietnam War in Kien Hoa Province in Mekong Delta with the 9th Division 3/47th Infantry  with the Bravo Company as a platoon RTO.  Following his honorable discharge, Gary returned home and continued his career with Tecumseh until the plant closed in July of 2007.  

He was a long time member of the Stockbridge American Legion and the DAV as well as Sturgeon for Tomorrow. 

He loved the great outdoors especially time spent on his beloved Lake Winnebago whether it was liquid or frozen.  His passion for sturgeon spearing and woodworking combined and he made many sturgeon decoys not only for himself, but many fellow anglers who joined him on the lake.  He also enjoyed time in the woods during hunting season.    

Gary was truly a humble and gracious person who loved the simple pleasures of life, especially time spent with his wife, his children and his grandchildren, or Linda and him relaxing in their  recliners in the evening taking in life’s many blessings.  He found joy attending to his yard and walked his property daily, thanking God for His goodness. 

Survivors include his wife: Linda; his children: Sheila (Mark) McClone, Amy (Don) Keppers, John (Kelly) Bodinger; his grandchildren: Logan McClone, Kassandra & Klarissa Keppers, Mercedes & Alaina Bodinger; and his siblings: Ken (Del) Bodinger, Helen (Leon) Cordy, Dave (Gloria) Bodinger.  He is further survived by siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews,  other relatives, neighbors,  and friends.  

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; a sister: Betty (Milford) Hinz and an infant sister: Carol Bodinger.  

Funeral service will be at 11:30 am on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton.  Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 9:00 am until 11:15 am.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at above for those wishing to watch a memorial video or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.

Memorials given in the name of Gary A. Bodinger are appreciated for the Stockbridge American Legion Post #128.Gary’s family would like to thank Calumet County Homecare and Hospice as well as the entire staff at Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac for all of the care that was given to Gary and the family. 

Condolences


Dan sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle

Doug Woelfel (Friend ) 2026-10-04 10:18:11

May he rest in peace fellow US Army veteran.

Richard Danay (Former Tecumseh Employee) 2026-10-03 20:49:01

Sending our thoughts and prayers.

Larry & Barb Joas (friends of family) 2026-10-01 17:59:15

Linda and family sorry for your loss.Gary was the best I know he will be missed. I will never forget him. He was like a brother to me. Ray and Carol Porterfield

Ray porterfield (Friend) 2026-10-01 09:06:17

We are very sorry for your loss, we will really miss Gary!

Debbie O'Connor (Neighbor ) 2026-09-30 21:07:19

Sincere sympathy to Linda & family. I have fond memories of meeting Gary & Linda through my neighbor, Phylis Franz. She often shared the fresh fish that Gary brought. He had a life well lived - may he rest in peace.

Elaine Hessil (friend) 2026-09-30 10:22:09

Linda and Family, Praying that our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ would guide your hearts and minds with His comfort through this journey of saying goodbye to Gary/your dad's earthly life.

Steven & Diane Stroobants (Church Family) 2026-09-30 07:58:41

Linda and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful husband,father, grandfather he was always a great man to have a conversation with, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ???? From the Schmitz family

David Schmitz and Family (Family friends ) 2026-09-29 13:06:04

Linda my condolences to you and your family. Gary was always such a nice person to work with at Tecumsehs.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Renee and Jim Breit (Coworker) 2026-09-28 20:10:39

Linda, I am so sorry for your pain. I had so much fun with your family. There was lots of love there. God Bless you Linda. Gary will be at peace now.

Nancy Hoppe (Friend) 2026-09-28 19:26:57

Prayers for strength and comfort for you and all thw family. He was a sweet uncle with a love of nature and good humor. Love you all.

Laura & John Behnke (Niece ) 2026-09-28 15:09:30

Linda and family you have our deepest sympathies. Gary will be surly missed He was like a big brother to me. Got me started hunting and fishing a great role model.

Michael and Susan Hostettler (Brother and sister in law) 2026-09-28 13:45:28

So sorry to hear of Gary's passings,Linda our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.hang on to the treasure memories

Gene,colleen Enneper (Friends) 2026-09-28 11:10:15

Dear Linda and family..We were very sad to read this. Our deepest sympathy to all. Thoughts and prayers.

Dennis and Barb Cook (Friends) 2026-09-28 09:54:07

Linda and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gary was a wonderful man. Remember, he'll always be with you - in your hearts and memories.

Mary Muellenbach (friend) 2026-09-28 09:29:56

May our Lord Jesus Christ give Gary's family and friends His comfort and peace. Our deepest sympathies goes out to everyone.

cheri and Rietveld (friend) 2026-09-28 07:56:03

Our hearts are reaching out to your whole family sending love to all. Gary was a very special sweet soul. Honored to be a part of his life for these years.

Gregory &Sue Schenkus (Sister & BIL) 2026-09-28 07:51:29

Our deepest sympathy to the Bodinger family on the loss of Gary. May God be with you all to comfort you.

Tom & Wendy Popp (Neighbor to John & Kelly) 2026-09-26 20:08:23


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