Gary Bodinger

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.