Chester Bodin

Chester Bodin, 76, of Murdock, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Clara City Care Center.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 28th at 1:00 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City.  Visitation will be held two hours prior to services at the church on Friday.  

Chester Kasjen Bodin was born on February 15, 1949, in Montevideo, Minnesota to Raymond & Sophie (Niemeyer) Bodin. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City. On March 18, 1967, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Bodin, together they built a family of four children: Shannon, Shawn, Chad and Cari.

A gifted athlete, Chester excelled in high school football, earning recognition as the most talented back in the area and the hardest running back in the conference. His talent let him to be named to the WCCO All-State Prep Football Team and he continued his football career at Ridgewater College. In addition to football, he completed in high school rodeos, showcasing his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.

Farming was Chester’s lifelong passion, and he had a deep love for animals. Growing up, he owned many horses, which he also had on his own farm, along with dairy cows, pigs and dogs that he bred. Before he started farming, he worked in Gluek at Cargill from a teenager till he got his dairy herd. In addition, he worked in construction and spent many years repairing rail lines for the railroad. Chester also had a great appreciation for nature, he spent his spare time hunting, trapping and traveling across numerous states buying deer hides.

Chester was a man who never met a stranger. Whenever anyone stopped by, they were always in store for a long conversation and a few beers. He loved to share stories making every visit on to remember, His ability to connect with people and make them feel welcome was one of his greatest gifts.

Chester is survived by his children: Shawn (Kevin) Fernholz of DeGraff, Chad (Melissa) Bodin of Clara City, Cari Bodin (Jason Smith) of Murdock; grandchildren: Land Bodin, Brandon Evenson, Dakota Schmitz, Trevor Serbus, Courtney Fernholz, Megan Fernholz, Page Hoffman, Taylor Bodin, Brandi Kampsen, Destinee Basmoem, Payton Strand, Jayden Strand as well as 19 great grandchildren; sibling Bruce (Makie) Bodin of Laughlin, Nevada and his dog Copper.

Chester was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl, his daughter Shannon, his parents Raymond and Sophie and his great grandson Logan.