Danny P. Bodenstein Jr.

Danny Paul Bodenstein Jr., son, father, papa, and friend passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 27th at Schoellkopf Nursing Home under the care of hospice after a long battle with kidney failure.

Danny was born on June 21,1949 to Dan Paul Bodenstein, and Bettie May Bodenstein(McKenzie) of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Later in life he moved to Hurst, Texas, with his mother, new stepfather, (David Michael Hart), and three younger brothers. Gary Wayne Bodenstein, wife Joy, David Michael Hart Jr, wife Diane, and Christopher Lee Hart.

Danny was the first graduating class of Eastwood High in El, Paso Texas graduating in 1967. Danny was listed as a 1A in the draft and was anticipating being drafted so he joined the AirForce.

Danny completed his training at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas. He was assigned to the Technical Air Force Center at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois to learn jet aircraft mechanics. After that he completed a tour of duty at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force base in Thailand, during the Vietnam conflict. He did additional duties in Norway, Great Britain, and Saudi Arabia. He served four years and was honorably discharged.

He met his wife Brenda Lee Luskin while stationed in Kansas at a military dance. They got married April 30, 1970, after six weeks of dating on their lunch breaks, then returned to work. They relocated to Niagara Falls, NY, after a tornado. They were together for 53 wonderful years having three children, Jennifer (Dave) Bottom, Beckie (Victor) Torres, and Chris (Christi) Bodenstein.

After transferring to Niagara Falls, NY, he worked for 30 years and retired from GM/Delphi. He went on to work another 10 years for Niagara Wheatfield School District as a bus driver.

While raising his children he made sure he created many memories with his family including, camping at Lake Chautauqua, Lake Placid, Lake George, and in his later life spending his summers permanently at Niagara Woodlands Campground.

While working shift work and raising his children Danny would coach girls soccer for the former Lasalle Senior High School, girls basketball, was one of the founders of Lasalle Little League and coached both baseball and girls softball taking his daughters team the Athletics to the championship. Danny also was a coach for many years for the former Tyro Little League Football ( now NFJFC) for the Rockets, Thunderbolts, and the Moose Bulls, taking the Thunder Bulls to win the Tyro Bowl Championship. He made many friends along the way, and indelibly left a mark on all who knew him. After retirement Danny joined the Elks, lodge 346 rising three the ranks to become Exhalated Ruler and State Vice President. He made many memories with family and friends at the lodge.

Aside from those mentioned he leaves behind seven grandchildren to cherish his memories. Jaden Paul Godwin (Adriana Torcasio), his first grandson that he shared a special bond with and had more of a father like relationship with. Ashlee Lasecki (Shane Forkus), Tyler Lasecki, Roman Torres, Rocco Torres, Victoria Bodenstein, and Conor Bodenstein. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. He was predeceased by his father Dan Bodenstein, and one younger brother Christopher Hart.

The family would like to express their endless gratitude for the nurses, aides and staff that cared for their father. They know you all loved him as much as they did.

Visitation hours will be held on Wednesday August 30th, from 2-4, and 6-8 at Hardison Funeral Homes Inc on 4th street in Lewiston, with the funeral beginning Thursday August 31, at 11am, with burial proceeding to Dickersonville Cemetery. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com