Gerda Petrea Jensine Pedersen Bodily passed away June 21, 2018, at age 87 in Salt Lake City with her husband by her side. She was born on September 20, 1930 to Karl and Jenny Marie Pedersen in Hyllested, Denmark.
As a teenager, she grew up in Nazi Occupied Denmark during World War II and endured many hardships. Gerda was a nurse’s aide in Denmark before coming to the United States in 1957 where she met her husband. On April 29, 1961, in Reno, Nevada, she married Donald Levi Bodily who affectionately called her is “petite Danish sweetheart.”
For the last 40 years of marriage they made their home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gerda served as a beautician and was supervisor of Housekeeping at Little America Motel. She was known for her exquisite knitting, sewing and cross stitch skills, making many sweaters for her loved ones. Gerda read 1500 books over her lifetime. She travelled all over the U.S. with Donald visiting all the county seats and capitals. She was known for her beautiful yard and the countless hours of service she gave to her community and friends.
She is survived by her husband Donald and his family, and one brother still in Denmark. Graveside Services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary and Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, Utah on June Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 3:00 PM with a viewing 30 minutes prior.
