Winifred Lynn Bodner

Winifred Lynn (Wolf) Bodner, known to those who loved her as Winnie, passed from this life on August 28, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on June 19, 1940, in New Albany, Indiana, to the late Harry and Ruth Wolf.

On September 12, 1959, Winnie married Louis Eugene Bodner, lovingly known to her as “Precious,” beginning a love story that spanned nearly 67 years. Together, they built a beautiful life and family.

How can one woman become so much to so many people?

Winnie spent her life answering that question simply by loving people extraordinarily well.

She was the heart of her family—the kind of woman whose love became the foundation beneath generations. She was the ultimate wife, mother, and grandmother, nurturing, protecting, praying for, encouraging, and caring for those she loved with her whole heart.

Winnie made everything feel safer simply because she was there. She was the person you wanted when you were sick, the person you called when something was wrong, and one of the first people you wanted to tell when something wonderful happened. No matter how old her children or grandchildren became, they still felt cared for when she was near.

Her fingerprints are everywhere—in the mothers her daughters became, the grandchildren she helped shape, the great-grandchildren fortunate enough to know her love, and the family traditions that will continue for generations.

She taught her family that love is more than something you say. Love is showing up, caring for people, celebrating them, sitting beside them, and loving them through every season of life.

For her children and grandchildren, Winnie was never simply Mom or Grandma. Her home, voice, presence, and unconditional love became part of what “home” meant.

Winnie also treasured her friendships and time spent with her girlfriends. She loved being social and involved in her community as a member of Sub-Debs of New Albany High School, PSI LOTA XI and the Ladies of the Alpha Club, creating wonderful friendships and memories along the way.

A devoted Catholic, Winnie carried her faith with her throughout her life, and it remained a source of strength and comfort to her. Her loving spirit also extended to her beloved furry children, Piper and Kitter, who brought her companionship and joy.

Winnie never needed to be the loudest person in the room to be one of the most important. Her legacy was built quietly, day after day, through a lifetime of devotion to those she loved.

Winnie leaves behind her husband of nearly 67 years, Louis Eugene Bodner; her children, Dana Wooley (Edwin), Robin Lynn Johns, Jill Bodner, and Matthew Louis Bodner; her grandchildren, Victoria Johns-Wright (Edward), Chase Wooley (Courtney), Bryce Wooley, Alexis Johns, Madeline Baird-Miller (John), Abby Bodner, and Katie Bodner; and her great-grandchildren, Ava, Natalia, Canon, Ella, Louis, Wyatt, and Win.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Sidney Wolf and Shelley Tindall.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 4, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring St., New Albany. The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. A private burial will follow.