Patricia Bodensteiner, 77, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 12, 2022, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on September 5, 1945 in Dubuque, Iowa to James and Irma (Hillery) Squire. She graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School, received a B.A. from Valparaiso University and a Master’s in Social Work from I.U.P.U.I. Pat began her career with the VNA and was among those instrumental in starting the Hospice program there before establishing a private practice as a counselor, with an emphasis on family and women’s issues. Pat’s kindness and generosity were among her defining qualities. In that spirit, she served on the Board of Directors for the Valparaiso Family YMCA, The Caring Place, Housing Opportunities, and VNA Hospice NWI.
On June 18, 1966, in Dubuque, Iowa, Pat married Ivan Bodensteiner, who survives along with their daughters, Julie (George) Douglas of Valparaiso and Jill Bodensteiner of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Madeleine, Samuel and Sarah Douglas; and her special granddaughter, Altarea Hall. She also served as co-guardian for a young woman named Margo for several years.
Pat had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories; she also loved her time at their Michigan lake home with family and friends (and even alone), BINGO, reading, puzzles, travel, and volunteering. For over fifty years, Pat had a cherished “women’s group” that met regularly for friendship, wine, and laughs. Without a doubt, Pat’s greatest passion was spending time with her family; she had an abundant amount of pride in each member of her family and loved sharing stories of their adventures through life.
A visitation will be held Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm (CST) at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. A private entombment will take place on Saturday at Angelcrest Mausoleum. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of life on Sunday at 2:00 pm (CST) at Valparaiso University in the Harre Union Ballroom. Memorial donations may be made to: Housing Opportunities (www.hoi.help) or VNA Hospice NWI (www.vnanwi.org/give).
GUESTBOOK
I had the pleasure of working alongside of Pat at VNA. She was one of the wisest, kindest women I have ever met. I learned so much from her as a social worker and a friend. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. -Carri Massau Ables
Pat had a very positive influence on my life while I lived in Valparaiso; when I was on the board of The Caring Place and later the director of the agency. Her calm, well-reasoned thoughts were so important to the people we served. I am so grateful to have known and worked with Pat and I add heartfelt condolences to Ivan and the family. -Sharon Gilbert
Ivan and family, all of us at Indiana Legal Services - including your former students and board colleagues, Ivan - extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Patricia. Please feel free to call on us if we can be helpful in any way. You all will be in our thoughts these next few days. -Jon Laramore, Executive Director on behalf of Indiana Legal Services
You or your family do not know me but when I saw Pat's obituary I felt compelled to write. She and I were sisters for a short time when we were children. Her parents took in foster children and I was lucky enough to be chosen by them. She was 2 years older than I but we enjoyed playing together. I came to them with nothing and they gave me so much. Most of which money couldn't buy. It saddens me to see they're all gone now, but to a better place. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Our friendship was brief but it meant so much to me. I think of them often. -Sandy (Kramer) Kapparos
