Ernest Palmer Bodin, 82, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in Centralia, Wash. He was born Jan. 4, 1939, in Aitkin, Minn., to Palmer and Ruth (Johnson) Bodin. He was their oldest of five children. The family moved to Washington State and settled in Rochester in 1952.
Ernie started working in the logging industry with his dad, grandpa, and uncle at a very young age. At 19 years old, he joined the United States Army Reserve with his brother, Robert, and was honorably discharged in 1965. He resumed his logging career driving logging trucks. In 1978, Ernie met and married JoAnne (Johnson) Bonagofski. They were married for 42 years until she passed away in April of 2020. Ernie enjoyed reminiscing with friends and family and participating in family gatherings. He also enjoyed the entire process of gathering firewood and being outdoors.
Ernie is survived by his sister, Delores Motz of Olympia; and brother, Howard Bodin of Rochester; four step-children, Tracy Bonagofski, Teresa Mason, Todd Bonagofski, and Troy Bonagofski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnne; father, Palmer Bodin; mother, Ruth Bodin; brother, Robert Bodin; sister, Rose Johnson; and nephew, Rodney Dunlap.
A graveside service will be held at Grand Mound Cemetery in Rochester, Wash., Friday, April 9, 2021, at 11 a.m.
