David "Dave" Michael Bodovinitz

David Michael Bodovinitz, 87, of Hoyt Lakes died Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Northern Pines in Aurora.

Dave was born May 9, 1937 to George and Hazel Bodovinitz in Virginia, Minnesota. Dave attended Eveleth HS where he was a member of the 1954 Basketball District Champs. Graduating in 1955. He then attended Eveleth Junior College.

In 1955 he joined the Minnesota National Guard, where he was a Mess Sergeant for 8 years. He started working for Minnesota Power in Aurora in 1957, where he retired in 1996 with 38 years of service.

1958 he married the love of his life, Shirley Wanio. They were married for 63 years, before she died in 2021. They eventually moved to Hoyt Lakes where they spent many years, raising their family. He served the community of Hoyt Lakes in many ways… Youth Hockey Coordinator, Water Carnival Co-Chair, and Girls Travel Softball coach. He started girls softball in A-HL, when he organized a self-supporting team for two years, before the school officially added the sport.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time in Brimson at the shack. He was an avid hunter and fisherman making many trips out west hunting. Later he and Shirley bought a house in Branson MO where they loved to spend the winters.

Dave is survived by: Son Jon (Carole) Bodovinitz, Island Lake MN. Son Dave (Kerry) Bodovinitz, Rochester MN. Daughter Lynn Shonka, Auburn IN. Grandchildren: Amy (Jon) Engel, Duluth, MN, Matt Bodovinitz (Briana Lind) Duluth, MN, Steve (Liza) Bodovinitz, LaCrosse, WI, Nina Bodovinitz, Rochester, MN, Emily (Beau) Timberlin, Kendallville, IN, Amanda Shonka (Spenser McGhee) Fort Wayne, IN. Great Grandchildren: Wesley Engel, Connor Engel, Levi Bodovinitz, and Rowan Timberlin.

Preceded in death by: Shirley Bodovinitz, wife, Hazel and George Bodovinitz, parents.

Special thank you to the staff at the nursing home and to everyone who assisted him with all of his shenanigans.

There will be a celebration of life for Dave at the Hoyt Lakes VFW to be scheduled at a later date.