Elfriede Gerta Bodany

On February 23, 1927, Elfriede Gerta was born to Johan and Lisette Voit. Elfriede was the 5th of seven children; Oskar, Willi, Marita, Ernst, Elfriede, Irma and Herman. Elfriede and her siblings grew up during WWII, which is significant as it was because of this war that sometime around 1951 Elfriede met a young Private First-Class American soldier stationed in Erlangen. His name was Paul John Bodany; it was fair to say that Paul was smitten.

Paul invited Elfriede to a movie. Although discouraged by family and friends, it was a movie that Elfriede wanted to see, so she agreed to go with Paul. From there, the relationship blossomed. Eventually Paul asked Elfriede to be his wife. She agreed and they were married in Germany.

Paul’s rank as a PFC meant that the US Army did not recognize their marriage. When Paul returned to the States, Elfriede had to remain in Germany. Before Paul left, he promised to bring Elfriede to the States, a promise not all the soldiers kept. But Paul honored his promise to bring his young bride stateside, and on Tuesday, May 26, 1953, Elfriede set sail for the United States of America as a passenger on the S.S. Maasdam, traveling from Rotterdam to New York.

Once stateside, Elfriede and Paul were married two more times; once on March 16, 1954 by a Justice of the Peace (because like the US Army, Grandma Bodany did not recognize their marriage in Germany), and the last time at St. Veronica’s Catholic Church (because like the US Army and Grandma Bodany, God did not recognize their marriage in Germany) confirming the old saying “three times a charm”.

One of Elfriede's proudest moments was achieved on May 6, 1961, when she officially became an American Citizen. Paul and Elfriede settled in East Detroit, Michigan, since renamed Eastpointe. Their home at 22083 Rein Street was the heart of many family gatherings over the years. How so many people were able to fit in their home is still a mystery, yet there was always room for one more.

One would have never known that Paul and Elfriede did not have biological children, as their tiny home was always filled with nieces, nephews and all their friends. So many memories were made at that blonde wooden table with extra chairs pulled up at every possible angle. As the children grew, the milk and bologna sandwiches became Schnapps and Manhattan’s, but the fact that the table was always filled with family and friends never changed. The truth is that Elfriede was everyone’s Auntie. And, every person welcomed into her house was loved, teased and, when needed, scolded equally.

Life continued, as life does, and Elfriede lost Paul on October 4, 2009. Her heart was truly broken. Elfriede moved in with Paul’s sister Betty a few years back and have been together ever since. Finally, on July 1, 2021, Elfriede was granted her most cherished wish when she was happily reunited with her loving Paul.

After a life well lived, Elfriede Gerta Bodany passed happily and peacefully in her sleep at the beautiful age of 94. We should all be so blessed.

Family will receive friends on Sunday July 11, 2021, beginning at 2:00 pm until time of service at 4 pm, at Kaul Funeral Home 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.

Service will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the link to gain access:

https://wayne-edu.zoom.us/j/98166281520?pwd=Q1dGOXFxOWhISWthVHpQVTAyMGNsdz09

Meeting ID: 974 6448 9198

Passcode: 281517