Herbert Bode

Herbert “Herb” Heinrich Bode, 93, of Henning, Minnesota passed peacefully into eternal life on July 30, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Herb was born on August 29, 1928, in Wall Lake, Iowa to Paul and Anna (Trojahn) Bode. He was raised in Schaller, Iowa and graduated from Schaller High School with the class of 1947. Herb enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 serving in Germany for one year, being honorably discharged in 1948. He went on to further his education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa for one year and then Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa for one year.

While attending Morningside Herb went to a dance where he met a lovely young lady who said her name was Mary Smith. Herb thought she was fibbing, so responded, “And I’m John Doe!”. After a whirlwind courtship, on August 27, 1950, he and Mary Maxine were united in marriage. To this union five children were born: Norma, Ellen, Patricia, Kenneth, and Daniel.

For seven years, Herb worked as a telegraph operator for the Milwaukee Railroad. He then started his own television repair shop in Council Bluffs, Iowa and was joined in business by his brother Ray for more than 20 years. Together they built a business, “Herb’s TV, Furniture and Appliance,” that became the largest TV dealership in southwest Iowa.

When Herb retired in 1985, he and Maxine moved to Clitherall, Minnesota on the lake, living out his childhood dream of becoming a fisherman. In October of 2021 they made their home in Henning, Minnesota.

Some would say Herb could fix anything. He kept busy in retirement repairing various electronic devices, refurbishing boats, and generously helping others. From the morse code used as a telegraph operator to his contemporary use of the computer and various electronic and digital devices, he was continually engaged in life-long learning and exploration of the electronic and communication world.

Herb was a big Minnesota Twins fan. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and spending time on the lake. Dogs were dear to him, especially his own beloved dogs and those of neighbors and family. He was proud of his German heritage.

Deeply loved, Herb’s passing will be mourned by Maxine, his wife of nearly 72 years, and his children: Norma Bode, Ellen Janke, Patricia (Bob) Baney, Kenneth Bode and Daniel (Holly Preston) Bode, his seven grandchildren, his 13 great-grandchildren, and his brother Raymond Bode.

Herb is greeted in Heaven by his parents, brothers Reinhold and Frank, and son-in-law Bruce Janke.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choosing in Herb's honor. 

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