Obituary: Vahl W Bodily

Vahl W Bodily Beloved Father and Grandfather Vahl W Bodily, age 79, passed away November 4, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born August 15, 1926 in Gusher, Utah to Christopher William and Dorthea Bodily. He graduated from Alterra High School in 1944. As a young man Vahl served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas Louisiana Mission. It was there where Vahl met his bride to be, Mary Jackson who was also serving in the mission. Vahl and Mary were married on February 7, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. Throughout his working years Vahl owned his own industrial painting contracting company. As the business grew, he decided to relocate to Manhattan, Kansas to be closer to a major military contract. This proved to be a wonderful experience for the family. It was during his time in Kansas that he served as a bishop and stake president and was beloved by many. In their later years together, Mary and Vahl served as missionaries in the Singapore Mission serving in Indonesia and India, and as temple workers. Later in life he loved to hike the hills and mountains around St. George, Utah. When Vahl was asked about his greatest service he would quickly say he found his greatest joy in being the primary care provider for Mary during the last few years of her life. Prior to his death Vahl remained an avid hiker, temple worker, and name extractor for temple work. Vahl leaves a legacy of service to mankind and love of family. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by son, Kim (Kathy) Bodily of Salt Lake City; daughters, Lynne (Dale) Dewey of Eagle, Idaho; and Jeanne (Alan) Skidmore of Houston, Texas; sisters, Sylva Godwin and Ann Robinson; brother, Brett (Sarah) Bodily; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 55 years; Gail, his daughter, Quinton, his grandson; parents and four brothers. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Chapel, 1950 E. 10600 So. where friends may call two hours prior to the service. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the LDS Church's Perpetual Education Fund, which held a special place in Vahl's heart.