Elmer Erland Bodeen, 97, of Superior died peacefully on March 28. Born 12/15/1919 in Port Wing, WI. Beloved son of August and Mary Bodeen.

Preceded in death by his loving wives, Melda (Melda Herman) and Ila Rae (Ila Rae Waseen); sisters, Martha (Nick) TaBelle, Ellen (Frank) Puig, Freda (Clarence) Carlson, and Jane (Lee) Rogers; brother, Ted (Virgina) Bodeen; and brother-in-law, William Naddy.

He is survived by son, Michael (Carla) Bodeen, Wascott, WI; grandchild, Kelly (JR) Pedersen, Superior, WI; great-grandchildren, Knute 'Trey' Pedersen III and Adyn Pedersen; sister, Ruth Naddy, Bloomington, MN; and special friend, Jean Larkee, Superior, WI.

Elmer grew up in Port Wing, WI where he attended school and worked on the family farm. In 1942, he entered the US Army Air Corps and spent the next 4 years primarily serving in London England with the 8th Air Force. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946 and returned back to Port Wing, WI to work on the farm.

He met Melda Herman from Iron River and they were married and moved to Superior in the late 1940's where he accepted a job working for the Marshall Wells Hardware Company in Duluth, MN. Elmer then was hired at an entry level position at the King Midas Flour Mill (Peavey Company) in Superior where he spent most of his career, rising to the rank of Assistant Superintendent. After retiring from King Midas, he worked on a part-time basis at 3 separate hardware stores and Downs Funeral Home.

Dauntless and tireless, he learned carpentry, electrical and plumbing work to mention just a few trades. He used his skills to build two cabins, remodel his home in Superior and work with Warner Wellman on jobs for other people.

When not working at King Midas or working on projects, he enjoyed fishing on the Brule river, hunting, dancing, playing cards and especially golfing at the Nemadji Golf Course.

Elmer's smile and positive attitude will be missed by many. He was active in the Masonic Lodge, the Elk's Club and Our Savior's Lutheran church, serving on various committees.

His visitation will begin on Sunday, April 2, at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19 ^th and Ogden, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and resume on Monday, April 3, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service.  Reverend Sarah Kerkes will officiate.  Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435.

The family is very grateful to the Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center for their wonderful care and unwavering assistance.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Elmer to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1924 Wyoming Ave, Superior, WI 54880.

When I die, do not mourn for me. Nor is it my wish that you cry over my empty body. For sorrow and tears can never bring me back. I would rather have you rejoice for you must realize that I have not really died but only gone on to something far greater than here and now. And if you must shed a tear, let it be over the good times we had.