Merle Bodeman

SIGOURNEY-Merle Bodeman, age 77, of Sigourney, died Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney.
Merle was born October 21, 1942, in What Cheer, to Alfred and Myrtle (Riffel) Bodeman. He was raised in What Cheer, then lived in Rose Hill (1965 - 1976), Mt. Ayr (1976 - 1987), Shannon City (1987 - 2002) and Williamsburg (2002 - 2008) before moving to Sigourney. Merle worked as a farm hand, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed reading the Bible, Kentucky Fried Chicken, playing cards, especially 17 point pitch, playing with his nieces and nephews and taking care of the farm animals.
Survivors include many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Rose (Harold) Hauschild, Myrtle (James) King, Betty (Jim) Adams and Mable (Ernie) Claypool and four brothers: Chuck, Alfred, Cecil and twin Earl Bodeman.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020, at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney, with John Stutzman officiating. Burial will be at Humes Cemetery in rural What Cheer. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

A memorial fund has been established for Hospice. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Merle and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.