Donald Louis Bode

Donald Louis Bode, age 86, of Portland, ND went to his heavenly home, Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Don was born July 12, 1927 in Grand Forks, ND son of Louis and Grace (Arnold) Bode. He was raised in Niagara, ND where he attended school and helped his dad on the family farm. In 1945 he was united in marriage at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Niagara to Vera Behm. Together they had four children. He enjoyed farming for many years until he became owner/operator of his truck and went over the road trucking. In 1973 he moved to Portland, ND and married Carol (Whetham) Applegate, in this union he attained three children. Over the next several years being a man of many talents he excelled in salesmanship and bus driving before returning to truck driving. During all his travels, he had visited all the states except for three, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont before he retired in 2002 due to health reasons. His passions were spending time with family, especially the grand children and great-grandchildren. He loved to play pool, visit with friends, always meeting new people, making sure children would receive help from the Shrine hospital, watching old westerns and listening to classic country music. Don is a member of Bruflat Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Honorary member of Custer’s 7th Cavalry, Goose River Lodge #19, Kem Shriners and Honorary member of the Keystone Kops Loving family members of Don include his wife, Carol of Portland; children, Judy (Tom) Korinek Breckenridge, MN; Steve Bode Arthur, ND; Lillian Machart Cooperstown, ND; Leon (Dee) Bode Regina, SK, Canada; Vicki (Dan) Higdem Fargo, ND; Bernard (Marilyn) Applegate Cody, WY; Sharon (Jerry) Higdem Mayville, ND; 17 grandchildren; numerous great–grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; special niece Elaine (Marty) Magner Camarillo, CA; and great nephew Eldred (Nicole) Magner Tustin, CA; along with many nieces & nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents, sister Violet Mattley; son Kenneth Applegate; grandson Matthew Higdem; son-in-law Tom Machart Visitation: Will be 5 – 7 PM with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service followed by a 7:30 PM Masonic Prayer Service on Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the Bruflat Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. Burial: Will be at 1:30 PM on Saturday at Bellevue Cemetery in Larimore, ND.