Henry "Hank" John Bode

Henry “Hank” John Bode, 93, of Lakewood, passed away February 3, 2025. Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025, 1:30pm, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood. Private committal will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Henry “Hank” John Bode Jr was born April 25th, 1931 the third youngest of nine children to Henry John and Johanna Mary Bode in Elgin, Nebraska. After Hank Sr passed away Hank Jr along with the rest of his family moved to Eldorado, Colorado where Hank attended school and participated in any number of shenanigans. He spent many hours working and playing on the Hogan Ranch. 

Hank proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. After being injured, he remained in country, driving Generals and other high-ranking officials across the country. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Rosemary Gose, and their family began to grow with the birth of their son, Douglas.

As a skilled heavy equipment operator, Hank moved to Dillon, Colorado, where he contributed to the construction of the Dillon Reservoir and the tunnel that connects the water supply to Grant through the Roberts Tunnel. His work left a lasting mark on the region—so much so that a cart running the tunnel between Dillon and Grant was named in his honor, the Henry J. Hank was also featured atop a Caterpillar D8 in Dillon, gracing the cover of Caterpillar Magazine and several postcards.

The Bode family continued to grow with the births of Terrie and Jeffrey, who joined the family while they lived in Dillon. 

In 1966 the young family moved to Grant/Bailey, Colorado where Hank remained an integral part of the Denver Water Board and water operations in the region until his retirement in the 1990’s. After retirement Hank served as an unsolicited consultant to any soul venturing in the local coffee shops. 

Throughout his life, Hank and Rosemary were pillars of their community, actively supporting the next generation of young athletes, musicians, and performers. They were ever-present at the events of their children and grandchildren, cheering them on with love and pride. The couple's kindness knew no bounds, and they frequently blessed local servers with handmade gifts and heartfelt appreciation.

Hank was the patriarch to a family of avid outdoors men and woman. He taught his children and grandchildren to work and play in God’s Country. From horseback riding, snowmobiling to 4wheeling, hunting, camping and fishing the family thrived in comradery with each other and the outdoors. Hank led the family in responsible conservation and created a legacy of love of family and nature. 

Rosemary’s health required a move to Denver where the couple continued to grow friends and experiences with their community. 

Hank was proceeded in death by his beloved Rosemary whom we are sure had a tray of cookies waiting for his arrival home to her and Jesus. Hank is survived by Children - Douglas, Jeffrey and Terrie and their spouses Heidi, Dee and David. Grandchildren and their significant others, Chase (Missy), Callie (Nate), Hunter (Annie), Hank (Sydney), Harley (Keifer) and Dylan (Emma), and their great-grandchildren Lindsey (Orion), Heidi, Heather, Magnolia, Gentry, Tate, Jace and Easton. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23,c 2025 at Horan and McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Boulevard , Lakewood, Colorado. Private committal will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery.