Henry “Hank” Bodendorf, Jr.

February 10, 1940 - December 3, 2021
Henry “Hank” Bodendorf, Jr.


Henry “Hank” Bodendorf, age 81 of Winnabow, NC passed away Friday, December 3, 2021, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Baltimore, MD on February 10, 1940, the son of the late Henry and the late Louise (Bronner) Bodendorf.

Henry served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Air Force. After his service, he met and married his wife of 56 years, Betty, and started their family in the Washington, DC area. He started as a computer programmer analyst in Hopewell, VA, eventually, leading him back to his family farm in Bloomingburg, NY. While raising his family in Bloomingburg, he spent over twenty-five years working at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY.

He was an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church as a lector, parish council member, Eucharistic minister, and usher. During his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering as a golf cart driver at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center engaging with patient and visitors transporting them to the hospital.

Hank loved to travel and explore new places and for all of those who knew Hank, would know him as an engaging, fun loving, charming man with a good joke and pleasant demeanor. But Hank’s true legacy was his dedication and love to his family and teaching his children what unconditional love truly means.

Hank is survived by his wife, Betty (Boyd) Bodendorf and his four children, Sherri Rufer (John), Bloomingburg, NY, Cathy DeGraw, High Falls, NY, David Bodendorf (Cheryl), Temecula, CA, Michael Bodendorf (Jennifer), Severn, MD his 10 grandchildren: John, Megan (David), Zachary, Jordan, Noah, Harrison, Alexandra, Sophia, Grant, and Mia and 2 great-grand children: David and Harper.

A rendering of Military Honors will be presented by the United States Air Force Honor Guard in recognition of Hank’s honorable and faithful service to his country. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Hank’s life will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Bloomingburg, NY at 11:00 am. There will be an opportunity starting at 10:00 am, prior to the Mass, to pay your respects to Hank and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s Association and American Cancer Society.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.

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  • December 05, 2021
    Robert Miller (Bobby) says:
    My deepest condolences to you Betty and the family

  • December 05, 2021
    Aileen Baxter says:
    My thoughts and deep condolences are with your family at this time. May you remember Hank with laughter, love and tears. I’m sorry for your loss.

  • December 06, 2021
    Gail and John Rufer lit a candle:
    Lit since December 6, 2021 at 12:27:42 AM

  • December 06, 2021
    Darlene & Tony says:
    Sending you our heartfelt condolences. You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers .

  • December 06, 2021
    Nanci and Ed Welker says:
    Hank will be dearly missed, but he will always be with you in your heart and memories. We're so sorry for your loss.