Betty Ann Bodine

Betty Ann Bakken was born on September 7, 1937, to Walter and Rosella (Rude) Bakken in Decorah, IA. At the age of three, Betty was placed at The Children's Home in Waverly, Iowa, along with her five siblings, due to her mom's tuberculosis. At the age of five, she was adopted by Rev. Fredrick A. J. and Twilma Meyer. Betty was raised in a loving household in Scranton, ND with three adopted siblings. She loved growing up in a small town and was active in cheerleading, basketball, softball, and Peace Lutheran Church, where her dad served as the pastor and her mom as the music director. She graduated from Scranton High School and then went on to Wartburg Lutheran College in Iowa. During this time, Betty would return home for the summer and play softball, where she met her future husband, John Bodine, who coached the team. Betty and John were married in Minneapolis on February 27, 1960, where their four children were born. They moved to Lisbon, ND in 1970, where John taught school until he began working at Bobcat. In 1976, the family settled in Barnesville, MN.

Betty had a distinguished 30+ year career in the Animal Range Science Department at NDSU in Fargo. She treasured the people she worked with and the students she met throughout her years there.

Betty was an enthusiastic follower of her children's activities and sporting events. She was active throughout her lifetime, volunteering her time at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Clay County Fair, Medora, ND, an election judge, Potato Days, Rollag Steam Threshers Reunion, and many other community events.

Later in life, Betty was able to reconnect with her birth siblings and remained close with both families.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Bodine of Barnesville, MN; four children: Jackie (Dave) Berg of Rosemount, MN, Beth (Ralph) Sheldon, of Tempe, AZ, John (Kelly) Bodine, of Geneva, IL and Patrick (former daughter-in-law Angel) Bodine, of Spring Park, MN; nine grandchildren: Jacey Berg, Marc Berg, Rachel (Michael) Truso, Chad (Cassidy) Berg, Craig Sheldon, Kyle Bodine, Maggie Bodine, Jack Bodine and Angela Bodine; four great grandchildren: Francis Truso, Ignatius Truso, John Christian Truso and June Berg; four siblings: Phyllis Goodman, of Queen Creek, AZ, Wanda Lawthers, of Marshalltown, IA, Jack Meyer, of Rapid City, SD and Jill Gearhart, of Rapid City, SD; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her birth and adoptive parents; and four siblings: Morene Koehler, Eugene Bakken, Jimmy Bakken, and Ramona Brown.

Betty passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 16th, 2021, surrounded by her husband and children, after a brave battle with cancer.

Betty's Memorial Folder