Dan Bodenhamer

John Daniel “Dan” Bodenhamer was born on December 5th, 1938 to Fred and Thelma Bodenhamer in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. On January 9th, 2021, our Heavenly Father called him home. He died peacefully surrounded by his adoring family, after a courageous and short battle with recurrent pancreatic cancer. He was able to spend priceless moments with those he loved, sharing smiles and stories until the very end. His life and the way he lived it was a gift.

Growing up in a small town had great impact into forming the man that Dan would become. As a young boy, he was remarkably adventurous and innovative. He never needed to be surrounded by toys, just the sunshine and the thrill of catching a crawdad in the creek. When he was not exploring the great outdoors, he kept himself occupied by working, becoming a newspaper delivery boy and assisting at the Dr. Pepper Bottling Co., respectively. His humble upbringing instilled in him the importance of having a strong work ethic and great appreciation for the simple things in life.

He went to Corsicana High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He had great sportsmanship; whether the sport be basketball, football or baseball, he was the guy you wanted on your team. When off the court and field, he was a friend to all. His genuine and friendly disposition awarded him with the honor of being crowned homecoming king.

Shortly after graduating in 1957, Dan decided to enlist himself in the Navy Reserve, further proving to those around him that he was always thinking of others first. He was willing and ready to serve his country, if the call should be made.

After high school Dan attended North Texas State University as a pre-med student. However, in 1960, he was indeed called into active duty as a Radar Technician in the United States Navy. He nobly served his country with great esteem for the next two years as Third Class Petty Officer Dan Bodenhamer. He transitioned back into college in 1962, this time attending The University of Texas, shifting his focus to a major in business.

Obtaining the knowledge and experience from his time in secondary education and the military, he began his profession as a salesman. His first job was selling typewriters and key punches for Smith Corona and IBM which propelled him into his lifelong career in the Computer Systems Sales Industry. He was a celebrated businessman, thriving within his trade. He moved from one company to the next, always finding success as a top salesman. Over his thirty plus years, he worked hard to make his mark, so that small boy finding joy in the creek, could one day travel the world and encounter its beauty.

Dan was a man of numerous talents and hobbies. His fondness for the outdoors never faded, electing to fish and hunt whenever he had free time. He also enjoyed: his years spent golfing at Blue Springs Country Club, cooking his specialty pasta, working in his impeccable yard and playing cards with his friends and brother-in-laws. Never hesitating to savor life’s small thrills he learned to value as a youngster.

His adventurous spirit only grew grander with age. With a strong work ethic, he set goals for himself, always aiming to reach for the stars. When accomplishing one particular goal, he did that quite literally, when he obtained his recreational pilot’s license. The challenge of learning how to fly mixed with the freedom of soaring in the air, captivated him completely. Demonstrating that one can in fact reach the stars if enough effort is put forth.

While he took great pride in his work, his ultimate achievement was his family. Already a proud father to his son Tracy, in 1967, he met the love of his life, Joyce, marrying soon after. Being awarded the top salesman numerous times over the years allotted the two of them the experience of traveling the globe, encountering the beauty, as a young couple in love. These voyages created special memories that lasted a lifetime.

Dan and Joyce were a wonderful example of what it meant to stick together through the thick and thin. They built their family on a strong foundation rooted in support and acceptance. While their love story concluded, they continued to relish in the richness of life, sharing more sacred moments and remaining constant companions, with a joint priority of keeping their family united. Their unconditional friendship lasted until the very end.

Dan and Joyce had three children: Bryan, Beth, and Jerome. His four kids were his heart. He was so proud; they could do no wrong. He was an adoring and compassionate father, encouraging each of their journeys with great fervor. He was the cool dad that all his kid’s friends admired. Whether it was having them be his co-pilot on his plane for quick jaunt to Topeka airport for lunch or asking them to help him with the prizes claimed while hunting, he made life fun.

It came as no shock that when Dan was blessed with the title grandpa, or as his doting grandchildren called him “PaPa”, he flourished. Ever the jovial, playful PaPa, he never missed a moment. His whole face lit up with joy when in his grandkid’s presence. He had special bonds with each of them, easily forming a connection because of his listening ear and authentic enthusiasm to learn about their daily ventures. You could always find him cheering loudly in the stands or eagerly anticipating his next visit to school for a ‘Near and Dear’ day.

When looking back at photos of him amongst his children and grandchildren, it is hard to find a picture where he is not making one of them giggle. The delight he elicited within their little hearts is shown in each of those still frames.

As a man of abundant faith, Dan’s witness was inspirational. He had a great devotion to God and it was apparent to those around him because of his sincere hospitality, considerate nature, and humble bravery. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Bernadette Catholic Church and later a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel. He never hesitated to make himself available for whoever needed him, volunteering his time to help his neighbor was always a priority.

Dan never met a stranger, a one man welcome wagon. He met each person with a warm smile and a compliment, always engaging others. As quite the talker, his kind heart really had a way of making one feel special when speaking with him. He was a true treasure. One that will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to call him family, friend, and neighbor.

The family feels beyond blessed to be surrounded by an incredible support system. They would like to personally thank his extraordinary caregivers: Amanda, Vanessa, Cindy, and Krissy. They also express appreciation to the amazing staff at Crossroads Hospice, particularly: Nicki, Chaplain Clark, Mary, and Sandy. Furthermore, their gratitude extends to the Pulmonary Rehab team at St. Joseph Health Center, who provided him with comfort and care. He looked forward to going there every Tuesday and Thursday with his snacks ready for all the cherished friends he had made over the years.

Dan was a thoughtful man whose contagious laughter will forever echo in the hearts of many. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. He is proceeded in death by his parents and older siblings: Dick and Laurie; father-in-law, Dante Cosentino Sr., mother-in-law, Beatrice Cosentino; brother-in-laws: Jim Cosentino, Mike Yarnevich, Bud Benson, Dante Cosentino Jr.; sister-in-laws: Frances Cosentino, Billie Cosentino, Mary Benson, Mary Sue Cosentino; niece, Kathy Callwell; nephews: Paul Staton and Jamie Cosentino.

He is survived by his lifelong companion, Joyce Bodenhamer; children: Tracy, his wife Marti, their children, Sydney, Spence; Bryan, his wife Beth, their children: Elli, Grace, Bennett; Beth, her husband David Luchtefeld, their children: Jacob, Tyler, Michael; Jerome, his husband, Kyle Goebel; sister-in-law, Mickey Yarnevich; brother-in-law, Jerry Cosentino; countless nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends. All of whom are forever thankful to have been changed for the better by his example.

Services will be held at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, Kansas on Friday, January 15th, 2021.

Viewing will be held from 9-10:00am, eulogy and Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:15am.

*Masks will be required and please respect social distancing.

Burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, MO immediately following Mass,

at approximately 12:15pm.

*If you are unable to attend the mass, all are welcome at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

Veterans Community Project (veteranscommunityproject.org)

PanCAN – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org)