Robert Emil Bodin

Robert Emil Bodin passed away on the evening of May 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Chicago on Jan. 24, 1936, to Robert and Emily. He lived in Chicago with his parents and brothers until the family moved to Bolivia, South America, where his parents were missionaries with New Tribes Mission. He returned to finish high school in Chicago and enlisted in the Army, where he spent time in Texas and New Mexico before being honorably discharged in December of 1956.

In January of 1958, he met Illa Jean Nute at a church social in Chicago. They were married on June 27, 1958, and would be celebrating 66 years of marriage in June. Illa grew up in Montana and so they returned to Bozeman where he began his banking career with First Bank (which is now USBank). His daughter Kathy was born in April of 1959, Kimberly was born in January of 1961 (sadly Kimmy died in January of 1962), Kerry was born in July of 1962.

Even though our dad was not “born” in Montana, he quickly embraced the Montana lifestyle. Hunting, fishing, backpacking and skiing were his favorite pastimes. He also loved spending time with his family. In 1975, the family moved from Bozeman to Missoula and lived there until 1982. In 1982, they moved to Billings, where he was the president of USBank. Then in 1987, they moved to Austin, Minnesota. In 1992, our parents moved back to Billings to spend time with kids and grandkids and finish his banking career. He retired from USBank in 1999.

He was always very involved in every community where he lived. He volunteered for many boards and organizations, including Young Life, Grace Bible Church, Bridger Bowl, Bethel Baptist, Faith Evangelical, Harvest Church and the MSU Bobcat Booster Club.

Bob is survived by his wife Illa; his daughter Kathy and her husband Shawn Holt and their children Molly Holt and Sam and Savannah Holt. Also his daughter Kerry and her husband Tim Davis and their children, Taylor and Cally Davis, Garrett and Elizabeth Davis, Brian and Sydney Speasl, Gabe Davis, and Max Davis. He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren: Piper, Owen and Jude Engel; Jones and Hayes Holt; Lucy, Robert, Emily and Nora Davis; Isla and Aspen Davis; and Amara, Rowen and Wylie Speasl.

Dad loved neighborhood walks (almost always in his cargo shorts), cheering on the Senior High Broncs, Skyview High Falcons, and his beloved Chicago Cubs.

Our dad taught us to be kind, work hard and to always put others first in our lives. He was a wonderful Godly man who led by example. He loved us unconditionally and we are so thankful for all that he did for us and our families. We miss him so much.

Our dad’s celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 20, at Harvest Church in Billings.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be given to Harvest Church or CRU (give.cru.org/Taylor and Cally Davis) in his name.