Donald "Donnie" Bodenweiser

DONALD “DONNIE” BARRY BODENWEISER, age 54, of Geneva, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at his home.

Born on September 27, 1966, to Dr. Lewis and Mary (Annis) Bodenweiser in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Donnie received his education at several elementary schools and graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Later in life, he continued his education at South Central Technical College where he received a degree in Accounting.

As a young boy, Donnie traveled around the world "both ways", due to his mother's job at TWA. Some of these travels included: visiting his sister Jane in Singapore, San Mateo, and London, playing "hooky" with his mother, flying 1st class to watch the New York Yankee’s play at Yankee Stadium, all the while building a collection of NY Yankee memorabilia from the 1970s. He also traveled to visit his Uncle Mike's cabin in Michigan and went to summer camp in Oregon. Of all the places he traveled, he most enjoyed his time in Switzerland. At the age of 14, Donnie was awarded his Eagle Scout by Harrison Schmitt, a NASA astronaut. Donnie moved to California, after Doc took a job in the Bay Area. It was in California where Donnie became fond of skateboarding and enjoyed rocking out to Iron Maiden and Death Angel. In his early 20s, he went on tour with the band Exodus in the USA and Europe. On "a whim and a prayer", Donnie relocated to Waseca, Minnesota in the mid 90’s where he worked at Brown Printing, Hy-Vee, Cully's Depot, Kwik Trip, and various other places in the area. He was currently employed with Lake Superior Consulting locating underground utilities.

On May 12, 2007, Donnie was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ganiere at Lakeside Golf Course in Waseca, Minnesota. Nine months and a day later, his "favorite boy in the whole wide world" was born, Maximus Everett Bernard. From the moment Max was born, he became Donnie's world. Donnie and Max enjoyed many activities together including watching the Colorado Avalanche, going to Maverick hockey games, fishing, thrift shopping, antiquing, seeking out and collecting old VW vehicles, skiing and taking photos. Watching Max play hockey brought Donnie much joy, even if it was just shooting pucks in the backyard. He could be found on the glass behind the net taking video and pictures of goals, tapping the glass and yelling, "yeah, buddy!". He wore a variety of hockey jerseys and rung his cow bell! Donnie enjoyed music, singing Karaoke, and tinkered with playing guitar and his old trumpet. Donnie enjoyed cooking and teaching Max along the way. He was known for making the best Pozole, without a recipe “a dash of this and a dash of that”. Donnie and Max’s last cooking experience was making biscuits and gravy from scratch for mom. No matter the activity Donnie and Max always had fun together.

Donnie is survived by his son, Max and former spouse, Elizabeth Bodenweiser. Also surviving him are sisters, Jane and Laurie; brothers, Kirk and Kirby and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Donnie was proceeded in death by his parents and brother.

Dad: Good night, Bear.
Max: Good night, Dad.
Dad: You're my favorite boy
Max: in the whole
Dad: wide
Max: world!

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis Funeral & Cremation Service in Waseca.

A Private Family service will be held on Friday.