Rocky Curtis Bodell

Rodney “Rocky” Curtis Bodell, age 70, of (Rock Creek) Rush City, died on August 10, 2025, as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident.

Rocky was born on October 25, 1954, to Norman and Audrey (Nowling) Bodell, in Rush City, Minnesota. He grew up and attended school in Rush City. He spent his teenage years working on local farms and hanging out with the “Good Ole Boys”, who remained the best life-long friends a guy could ask for.

Rocky married his former wife, Julie, in April of 1975. They were married for 40 years. Together they had two beautiful children, Dustin and Cammi. Rocky enjoyed watching his children grow, attending school functions, taking them on trips, and being there for them through all of life’s ups and downs.

Rocky lived in Rock Creek for over 42 years. He built his own home, with the help of family and friends, and also built a career working for Culligan for 31 years. After leaving Culligan, Rocky opened his own water softener business, Rocky’s H2O Softeners and Repair. For 19 more years Rocky continued to provide everyone with the best water around, until his retirement in 2023. Rocky met so many wonderful people throughout all his years of work, he truly loved what he did.

Rocky was, without a doubt, a “jack of all trades”. He could pretty much do anything, even after losing 3 of his fingers. Rocky enjoyed doing so many things. He loved riding motorcycle, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, raising chickens and pigs, gardening and flowers (if you know, you know), but most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Rocky’s significant other, Shirley, his children, and his grandchildren were his world. He was very fortunate to find someone so special later in life, especially someone who could put up with him (his words)…again, if you know, you know.

Rocky’s biggest blessing in life was his children. From camping trips to 4-wheeler rides, there was always an adventure waiting to be had. He was there through it all, the ups, the downs, and everything in between. Morning chit-chats with his kids, giving them advice, catching up on life and grandkids, gossiping about what happened last Friday in the shop, they shared it all. A bond so strong, that will never be broken.

Rocky adored his grandchildren and was so proud of them. Always teaching them new things, always in awe of the amazing young men that they have all become. He loved going to wrestling matches and football games. He was their biggest fan. His grandchildren will always remember the crazy stories, the muffins left on pillows, the hugs, and all of his love and support.

Rocky was Rock Creek. There wasn’t a time his door wasn’t open and a cold one waiting for a good conversation. Rocky lived life to the fullest. He worked hard. He played hard. He loved hard. He will be missed dearly by so many but his memory will live on, forever.

Rocky is survived by his children Dustin (Sarah) Bodell of Rush City, Cammi (Mark) Rieke of GA; grandchildren Bryce, Riley, and Morgan Bodell, Hunter Rieke; significant other Shirley Rohlf of Rush City; former wife Julie Bodell of Rock Creek; siblings Val (Dan) Larson, Lisa Morris all of Rush City; uncle Jimmy; aunt Pat; many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Norman Bodell and Audrey Anderson; sisters Julie Bodell and Cindy Bodell; uncle Carl Nowling; and best friend Bobby Werner.

Pastor John Omans will officiate funeral services for Rocky: 10:30 AM; Friday, August 15, 2025 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. There will be a time of visitation and fellowship planned from 5:00-8:00 PM; Thursday, August 14, 2025 at the Olson Funeral Chapel of Rush City, and also one hour prior to the service at the church.

Please click HERE to view Rocky's funeral service.

A Celebration of Life will follow until 4:00 PM at the Pine County Fair Event Center, 707 1st Ave NW, Pine City, MN 55063.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com