Henry J. Bode Jr.

Henry Joseph Bode, Jr., formerly of Oak Park/River Forest, passed away peacefully at his home at Plymouth Place in La Grange Park on January 27, 2025, at age 90. He was a brilliant man of deep faith who valued his family, friends, and fitness.

Hank was a loving husband to his wife and best friend, Susan Cartland-Bode. Their love story spanned an incredible 40 years. Hank was an amazing father to his three sons: Mark (Karen), David (Julie), Lincoln (Gail). He was also a stepfather to Susan’s children: Mark Cartland (Jonna Justiniano), and Mary Cartland Schohl. He was an engaged grandfather to 10: Christopher Bode, Alexander Bode (Leah), Camille Parizek (Joey), Elizabeth Bode, Kate Wilutis (Michael), Megan Bode (Jesus Popoca), Kevin Bode (Christine), Amber Bode, Annie McCool (Blake), and Natalie Schohl. He was a great-grandfather to Logan Henry and Payton Wilutis. He is survived by his former wife, Sara Giddings Bode, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends around the world.

Hank was born in Boston on March 15, 1934, to parents, Henry Joseph Sr. and Helen Steinmuller Bode, who both valued education, hard work, and concern for others. He was raised in Rhode Island by a multi-generational family who recognized his talents and made sure that his education not only included academics and athletics, but music and art lessons. After two years at East Providence High School, he received a scholarship to St. George’s Preparatory School, Newport, RI. He excelled in his studies, lettered in football and wrestling, played trumpet, and received the Thayer Cup sportsmanship award. Upon graduation, he received the McCabe Scholarship to Swarthmore College, where once again he excelled academically, played football, was captain of the wrestling team for two years, was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, and served as vice president of his senior class. He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, receiving the “Engineer of the Year” award.

Upon graduation, Hank accepted an engineering job with Scott Paper Company, but first entered the Navy going to Officer Candidate School and ultimately was personally selected by Admiral Hyman Rickover to be an engineer in the Navy’s nuclear program. Lt. JG Bode helped to design nuclear cooling systems for guided missile cruisers. While in the Navy, Hank married his college sweetheart, Sara Giddings, when she graduated in 1957. One year later they had their first son, Mark William. Mark was followed by David Joseph in 1959. Their third son, Lincoln Van Duyn, was born in 1962. Hank’s career then took him to Sperry Unisys in Philadelphia, then to AB Dick in Chicago in 1972, heading up R&D for the copying company. In 1979, Hank became President of Videojet Systems International, an industrial ink jet printing company located in Elk Grove Village. He had an integral role in the design of their new headquarters in Wood Dale, IL. During his tenure, Videojet won an Emmy for technology used in emergency television broadcasts.

He empowered his employees to be inclusive, health-conscious, and competitive and was an early advocate for the hiring of and advancement of women on the management team. Hank sponsored the inclusion of a racquetball court at the new headquarters and was always open to conversations with his employees, in which he listened with an open mind.

During his time with Videojet, Hank lived in Oak Park, IL, and attended First Congregational Church (later merged and called First United Church) and served as Moderator during the merger. His more than 50 year affiliation with First United realized positions ranging from serving on nearly every church committee to being a faithful member of Choir. He helped to install the facade of the sanctuary organ and also repaired everything from furniture to church pews.

In 1985, Hank went on a “blind date” arranged by Susan Cartland-Bode’s sister, Patty Ratcliff. Their meeting was “love at first sight”. They began dating soon after and were married on December 22 at First United Church. Hank’s cousin, Rev. Donald Marxhausen, and First United pastor, Rev. Edward Bergstraesser, officiated.

In 1997, Hank and Susan sold their Oak Park home and moved to Centennial House in River Forest. Again, Hank showed his leadership as president of the condo board and could often be seen with his toolbox on the roof and elsewhere making sure things were shipshape.

Also in 1997, he retired from Videojet and he and Susan began traveling the world, visiting all continents except Antarctica and all states except North Dakota. Hank's favorite vacation place was his home on Seconsett Island on Cape Cod, MA.

Three generations of family would gather during the summer to share stories, sing songs and attend “Grandpa’s Craft Camp”. Hank and Susan loved to entertain so their home was always open to friends as well. Hank kept active doing house repairs, building furniture, gardening, bird watching, bicycling, digging quahogs, and catching local crabs. Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, and cycling were other favorites.

In 2019, Hank and Susan moved to Plymouth Place where he once again shared his gifts as Chairman of the Residents’ Council Finance Committee, sang with several choral groups, was active with the Veterans and History Buffs group, Rev. Kirchherr’s Men’s Group, took art lessons, participated in Parkinson’s programs, and volunteered his time and talents in ways too numerous to mention.

Family and friends recall Hank breaking into song (particularly in German,) regaling them with “Bert and I” stories in a “Down East” accent, and most of all, asking about them and listening attentively without judgment.

A man of deep faith, Hank attended weekly worship services at Plymouth Place, participated in the monthly bible study group, and tried to live a life filled with love, grace, and service to others. His favorite sayings were from Shakespeare: ”To Thine Own’s Self Be True” and Micah 6:8: ”What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” He also lived by the Golden Rule.

Two Celebration of Life services will be held in mid-March: one at Plymouth Place, 315 N. La Grange Rd, La Grange Park, on Saturday, March 15 at 11:00 AM and the other at First United Church of Oak Park on Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Church of Oak Park, Swarthmore College, Plymouth Place in La Grange Park, or to the charity of your choice.