Remembering Robert "Bob" Bode
Robert (Bob) Allen Bode, who formerly taught in the Communication Program, passed away July 3, 2014, at age 65, in Bellingham, Wash., where he had resided for several years.
Bob was born Aug. 31, 1948, to George Arthur and Eda Mae (Schmidt) Bode in Chamberlain, S.D. He graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1966 and served three years in the United States Navy, most of it on board the USS Iwo Jima. After his military service, he attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications. While in college, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and became a well-known mail carrier around town.
Bob earned a Ph.D. in speech communication and rhetoric from the University of Oregon in Eugene. His career as an educator began at Valley City State College, Valley City, N.D., followed by a time as a professor at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. He then held a full professorship at Western Washington University in Bellingham, teaching a variety of communications courses over the years.
In addition to his family Bob had a host of colleagues, friends, classmates, and former students who greatly enriched his life. He loved the northwest and the environment and offerings of Bellingham. It truly fit the person he was. His way of making others laugh, his storytelling and love for friends and family give those that knew him many reasons to smile. Bob loved the freedom of riding his motorcycles fast. He had an adventurous side to him, experiencing time in Alaska and the Arctic Circle, and driving a race car at the Talladega Speedway.
Surviving him are his brothers Jerry (Janet) Bode of Oro Valley, Az., Larry (Jennifer) Bode of Bozeman, Mont., and Richard (Tracy) Bode of Rapid City, S.D. and one sister, Dianne Bode Wegner of Custer, S.D., along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Reiner Shaw, and his parents.
Inurnment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in the near future.
Correspondence may be sent to family members at P.O. Box 176, Custer, SD 57730.
See his online obituary at wcremation.com to share your memories, stories, and sign his guestbook. Arrangements by Whatcom Cremation & Funeral, 360.734.7073, wcremation.com.