Judy Bodnar

Judy Lynn Bodnar (nee Dunteman), age 65, of Litchfield Park, AZ, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer Saturday, March 3, 2018, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. She is now in the arms of her Savior and patiently awaits the resurrection.
Judy was born in Elgin, IL, October 10, 1952 and her twin sister, Jean, arrived just six minutes later to proud parents Marvin and Lorraine Dunteman. Judy and her identical twin sister Jean were inseparable. Because they dressed alike, Judy and Jean would take delight in changing roles to keep classmates, friends and family always guessing. In her early years the family lived on a farm in Schaumburg where Judy and her sisters enjoyed playing in the barns and riding “Baldy,” the family horse. Judy participated in Girl Scouts and 4-H activities which included baking, sewing, gardening and livestock. At the age of 15, she and her family moved to a farm in Barrington, IL, where she attended Barrington High School. While attending Barrington High School, Judy and her sister, Jean, served as “Candy Stripers” at Sherman Hospital in Elgin.
Judy graduated from Barrington High School with the class of 1970. Following graduation, she attended Elgin Community College to study in their nursing program and later transferred into the Harper College Nursing Program. While at Harper College, Judy worked as a unit secretary in orthopedics while in nurses training. Judy graduated from the Harper College Nursing Program with an LPN degree in 1972 and an RN degree in 1973.
After graduation, Judy married in November of 1973, which took her to Arizona as her husband was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale. In August of 1975, Judy was the proud mother of Jennifer Lynn Lehrer and two years later her family grew by one more. In November of 1977, Thomas Michael Lehrer was born. Judy moved to a home in Peoria, AZ, when Tom was just 10 days old and there she met her Arizona Sister and lifetime friends, Juanita and Richard Mendivil. Judy, Juanita and Richard were neighbors and Juanita and Richard helped Judy enormously throughout Judy’s child raising years.
Judy’s first marriage ended and she remained a single mother for over 10 years. She then found another opportunity for love and companionship when she met James T. Bodnar whom she married in January 1997. They then made their home together in Litchfield Park, AZ.
Over the course of Judy’s career as a registered nurse, she worked in notable facilities such as Boswell Memorial Hospital, Arizona Medical Clinic, Royal Oaks Retirement Com-munity, and Agua Fria Union School District. During Judy’s time at Boswell Memorial Hospital, she met Dr. Oliver Harper who hired her to become his nurse at the Arizona Medical Clinic. Upon Dr. Harper’s retirement, he had these words for Judy, “there is no one on this planet whom I have met who has the character, dedication and kindness that you do.” Upon retiring from working for Dr. Harper, Judy continued to work in nursing as a staff nurse for Royal Oaks Assisted Living, volunteering at Mission of Mercy, and then serving as a substitute school nurse for the Litchfield Park School District showing her endless dedication to others.
Judy was very passionate to her faith in God and attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Litchfield Park where she also helped teach Sunday School.
Judy lived a life dedicated to helping others regardless of who they were. She always lent a helping hand to friends and family. Her nursing duties continued beyond her work days as she performed wellness checks on patients, family and friends often receiving personal calls for assistance, making house calls as needed. She even cared for Jim’s mother, Lois Bodnar and Pat Sitler, Jim’s sister, in their home until they required more than home nursing care. When Judy wasn’t at work she was very active in many organizations including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Rainbow Girls, Mission of Mercy Medical Clinic, and a neighborhood Block Watch. She organized the biannual Block Watch meetings in the neighborhood and would work at the annual Litchfield Park Fishing Derby. She was heavily involved in her community and played Bunko with the ladies around town.
Judy was always the first one to come to the aid of friends and family. She unselfishly provided support to everyone in need. The care and attention she gave to those she attended to over her 40 plus years as a registered nurse earned her the admiration and respect of her colleagues and all of the patients she served. Her home was filled with endless notes and tokens of thanks and praise for the love and care she showed to her patients. When she wasn’t lending a helping hand, she was traveling with Jim. Jim made his career starting up power plants around the country which gave Judy the opportunity to travel to his assignments. Jim and Judy enjoyed traveling together often taking road trips to southern California, historic sites, and national parks. They ventured to Hawaii in honor of their 20th wedding anniversary.
Judy’s first grandchildren, Deanna and David, were born in January 2000, followed by Hailie in November of 2004. During this time, Judy helped to raise her grandchildren who eventually moved in with Judy and Jim and she continued their care until her passing. Two additional grandchildren were born in later years, JayRiley in October 2011, and Cole in June 2014. Judy enjoyed watching her children grow into independent individuals and was proud of their accomplishments. Judy’s goals included seeing her grandchildren graduate from high school and moving into successful careers. One of Judy’s final requests was to return home and rest in peace next to the family farm at the Kaneville Twp. Cemetery in Kaneville, Illinois.
No matter how many tasks Judy balanced and no matter her agenda, she always found the time to help anyone who came to her and anyone in need. She had the biggest heart and so much love to give. Judy will always be remembered for her helping hands, warm heart, and the memories she made with friends and family.
She is survived by her loving husband, James, of 21 years; two children: Jennifer Lehrer and Thomas Lehrer; five grandchildren: Deanna, David, Hailie, JayRiley, and Cole; five siblings: Susan (Bruce) Rucks, Jean (Arland) Prestidge, Karen Dunteman, William (Kari) Dunteman, and Robert (Kelley) Dunteman.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin W. and Lorraine F. Dunteman.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., March 11, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Visitation will resume Monday, March 12th, from 9-10 a.m., at Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin, IL 60123. A service to celebrate her faith will begin at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Kaneville Twp. Cemetery, Kaneville, IL. A celebration of Eternal Life service will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 830 E. Plaza Cir., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Judy’s name. Checks may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may be forwarded to the family at the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A service to celebrate her faith will begin at 10 a.m Monday, March 12, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin IL 60123. A celebration of eternal life service will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 830 E Plaza Cir, Litchfield Park, AZ

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Visitation will resume Monday, March 12, from 9-10 a.m., at Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin IL 60123.

An interment to follow at Kaneville Twp. Cemetery.