Lee was born on March 5, 1928, in Compton, Illinois, to Howard John Bodmer and Hilda Margaretha Kehm. Lee was raised in Lee County near West Brooklyn. He attended Lee Center High School, where he graduated Valedictorian of his class in 1945.
A proud veteran, Lee served in the Navy (Seaman 2nd Class) from 1951-1955 as a Boiler Tender, stationed on the U.S.S. Watts (DD-567). Following his military service, Lee returned home to Illinois in 1955 to start his own farm, where he farmed for 30 years in Ogle County, Illinois.
Lee married Ellen Rowen on December 26, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA. They are the parents of Polly Scott and David Bodmer. Lee and Ellen divorced in 1980 after 28 years of marriage.
Lee lived the last 20 years in Sebring, Florida, before moving to Arizona shortly before his death. Lee loved riding his motorcycle across the country with Judy, and playing cards and shuffleboard with friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Marcea E. Nelson, Merle H. Bodmer, Norma Jean Bodmer, Bernard D. Bodmer, and his significant other, Judy A. Eychaner.
Survivors include his children, Polly (Will) Scott of Mesa, AZ, David (Andrea) Bodmer of Highland, MI; grandchildren, Emmilie (Eric) Whitlock, Cooper Buchanan, Nate (Allyson) Buchanan, McKenzie (Trevor) Uchytil, Isabella (Goria) Akash, Colin Bodmer; and great-grandchildren, Bellamy Whitlock, Lincoln Whitlock, Fox Whitlock, Goldie Buchanan, Scout Buchanan, and Brooks Buchanan.
