William Earl Bodette

He was born April 10, 1946, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Bernard and Norma (Lester) Bodette.

William and his family would eventually move to Garden, Mich., where he has resided his entire life.

William was enlisted in the Army and served our country honorably during Vietnam. Once he was back home he worked as an operating engineer for construction companies for many years. He would travel a lot for his job, but always loved coming home to his family and friends in Garden.

William loved nature and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed trapping, hunting and especially fishing. He loved to take the boat out on the water and drop a line as often as possible. William was a member of the local VFW in Garden. He was considered by many to be the “unofficial Mayor of Garden.” He also had a passion for building things. You can’t drive through the Garden Peninsula without seeing something he built. William’s favorite times were those spent with family and friends and especially seeing his grandchildren.

William is survived by his sons, William Bodette Jr. of Pinellas Park, Fla., Bernard (Renay) Bodette of Lapeer, Mich., and Duane (Angela) Bodette of Tecumseh, Okla., brother, Leo (Marybeth) Bodette of Garden, Mich.; sister, Susan (Rod) Lucas of Garden, Mich.; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

William’s family has chosen to remember him privately at this time. Family and friends may send condolences or share a memory at mbfuneral.com.