Service Details
Services will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. A memorial luncheon will follow.
Visitation will be at Draeger-Langendorf on Wednesday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 am.
For those wishing to watch via livestream, you may click on this link at 11:00 a.m. https://youtube.com/live/KFbsOfcE2Jg?feature=share
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to First Evangelical Free Church have been suggested.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Aiello Midtown Florist
Racine – Marla Jean (nee: McAlpin) Bodnar, age 68, passed away peacefully with family at her side, on Wednesday February 15, 2023.
Marla was born in Clarinda, Iowa on July 14, 1954 to the late Gerald E. and Jean A. (nee: Huntington) McAlpin. She graduated from New Market High School in 1973 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Northwest Missouri State University. She was also inducted into the Bearcats Hall of Fame for performance & being a founding member of the women’s cross country team. On May 15, 1977 at Covenant Church of Essex, Iowa, Marla was united in marriage with the love of her life, John Patrick Bodnar.
Marla served Racine Unified School District as a phy ed and health teacher for over 25 years. She taught at Park HS, Knapp, Julian Thomas, and many others. She retired in 2019 and got to accomplish her goal of spending daily time with her sons’ families and many grandchildren.
Marla was an extremely faithful and proud member of First Evangelical Free Church, where her beloved husband has served as Senior Pastor since 1992. She served the church in multiple church ministries over the years including: deaconess, Sew Many Blessings, praise team, nursery, Awana leader, Vacation Bible School teacher, building & grounds committee, among others. Marla enjoyed staying active by kayaking & bicycling. She enjoyed supporting her sons in their numerous athletic endeavors, especially when John was coaching. Above all, she was an amazing wife, mom & grandma who always placed her family’s needs before her own.
In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her 5 sons and 11 grandchildren: Ryan (Katie) Ava and Matthew Bodnar, Frank (Kristin) Braelynn and Tony Bodnar, T.J. (Brittany) James, Rose, Ruth, and Titus Bodnar, John Mark (Hannah) Emmett, Elliott & Levi Bodnar, and Thomas Bodnar; sisters, LeAnn (Ted) Koch, Sheryl Kemerling, Janelle (Duane) Madison and Denise Nelson; brother, Gerry (Linda Rasmussen) McAlpin; aunt, Shirley Larson; brothers-in-law, Ted (Lynn) Bodnar and Jim (Terry) Bodnar; sister-in-law, Eva (Marvin) Clayborn; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family & friends. In addition to her parents, Marla was preceded in death by her in-laws, Rudolph Bodnar & Patricia Rasmussen, as well as her brother-in-laws, Don Nelson and Scott Kemerling.
Services will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be at Draeger-Langendorf on Wednesday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 am. Memorials to First Evangelical Free Church have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Mullane, Dr. Rosenberg, Dr. Turner, Aurora nursing staff, Aurora Hospice, and to our family: Denise, Sheryl, Janelle, Duane & Marla’s niece Rachel for such loving care for Marla in her time of need. May God bless all of you!
Diane Brooks says
Marla was a great co/worker, friend and mentor to me. She pushed me to be a better educator, wife, mother, and mother in law. But most of all, she showed me the love of Christ through her friendship. We had many good times, with our yearly Chicago birthday trips, our visits to the cabin, our walks, riding scooters and kayaks, or sharing a meal at the Racine Charcoal grill. Marla was a woman of her word. If she said she would be there you could count on her to show up. I was so blessed to have her as a friend. If it was not for her, I never would have made district coordinator for the Pay. Ed. and Health departments. She called me during the summer break and encouraged me to apply for the opening. I miss her dearly. I have lost a great friend in Marla. ‘Till we meet again sweet friend of mine.
Sue Beckett says
Marla was a wonderful woman. I worked with her at Starbuck Middle School. John and several of the boys played ball and coached my son’s ball team. A great family and my sympathies to all.
Ron & Shirley Jackson says
Condolences to John,family, and friends, RIP Marla😢
Wally & Lisia Rendon says
My wife, Lisia and I offer our most sincere condolences to John and his family on the loss of their beloved wife/mom, Marla.
While physically gone, she will forever live in our memories! 🙁
Wally & Lisia Rendon says
Condolences to Marla’s family.
Anonymous says
Fred Hicks next door neighbor.
Shannon Behm says
Marla was one of the kindest people I have ever known. Her gentle, generous countenance and warm smile were like a friendly hug. The love of Christ was in her eyes, no question. Our rambling walks and talks are cherished times and memories. I was blessed to call her my friend. Heart felt thoughts and prayers to you, John, the boys, and all your family.
Jeanene Holton says
Home with Jesus.
Your family is in my prayers.
Matthew & Deborah B. says
This life is but a fleeting moment in comparison to the endless joys of heaven. As Christians, we believe that our loved ones who have passed away are not really gone. They are just waiting for us in heaven, and one day we will be reunited with them again. In the meantime, we can take comfort in knowing that they are safe and happy in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Our prayers are with the Bodnar family during this time of loss.
JeenLee McAlpin says
My sincere condolences to all of the family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love, JeenLee McAlpin ❤️
Tina Riley says
What wonderful lady that will not be forgotten. I worked with Marla at Julian Thomas and I can’t count the number of times we talked and laughed together. She truly was God sent, rest on in peace my friend. To the family continue to look to the hills from which cometh your help, all your help comes from the Lord.
Jennifer Olson says
Proverbs 31:10-12
“An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.”
Titus 2: 3-5:
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
Nobody says it better than Jesus. Marla was a beautiful example to me. I look forward to seeing her again.
Justin Beaton says
You were a special part of not just my, but many of my classmate’s formative years. And thank you for being such a strong, Godly presence in the lives of your family, namely with your boys. They have all become solid family men of God, and you were instrumental in that. I was blessed to grow up with them, and blessed to have a solid Christian teacher in the midst of the public school scene. Thanks for the memories, Mrs. Bodnar. It’s not “goodbye”…far from it!!!!