Kenneth G. Bode, 72 of Elgin, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh, NE.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at St. Boniface Church in Elgin with Fr. Frank Baumert and Deacon John Starman officiating.
Inurnment will take place at Black Bird Cemetery near O’Neill, NE at a later date.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at Levander Funeral Home in Elgin.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Levander Funeral Home of Elgin is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com
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Kenneth George Bode, son of Delbert Gilbert and Delores Marie (Jochum) Bode, was born April 13, 1954, at Tilden, NE. He grew up on the family farm west of Elgin, NE, with his siblings. Kenny attended elementary school at St. Boniface School and later Pope John High School, graduating with the Class of 1972.
Following high school, Kenny started a trucking business, eventually running as many as six trucks hauling livestock from Sioux City, IA, to Los Angeles, CA. On October 18, 1980, he was united in marriage to Barbara Kaye Mann at Christ Lutheran Church in O’Neill, NE. The couple initially lived in Elgin before their adventures took them to Grover, CO; North Platte, NE; Johnstown, NE; and Burwell, NE, where they leased ranches and took in yearlings.
Kenny and Barb eventually returned to the Elgin area, where Kenny owned and operated feedyards. In addition to the feedyards, he was involved in livestock marketing, order-buying cattle for other producers, and ultrasounding cattle alongside his son Cody.
Kenny lived life fast and hard. He was always doing something and rarely let much dust settle beneath his feet. His adventurous spirit showed itself at an early age when he built wings for his arms and attempted to fly from the hayloft. That endeavor didn’t quite pan out, but it certainly didn’t end his interest in aviation. Over the years, Kenny’s adventures included flying powered parachutes and airplanes—with a few of those adventures ending much like the hayloft experiment.
He loved going for drives with his trusty four-legged companion, Dog, and you never quite knew where the two of them might end up. Kenny enjoyed reading and had an exceptional eye for good horses and cattle. He was constantly tinkering, building, or working on something in his spare time. He also enjoyed firearms and was an excellent shot.
During the past two and a half years, Kenny became involved with AA in O’Neill, which he fondly referred to simply as “Club.” Through Club, he found a great network of friends, fellowship, and support that became an important part of his life.
Left to cherish his memory and celebrate Kenny’s life are his wife, Barb Bode of Elgin; three sons: Cody Bode (Meghan Votta) of Norfolk, NE; Tyler (Hannah) Bode of Wann, OK; and Jake Bode of Verdigre, NE; seven grandchildren: Jeremiah (Aubrey) Highsmith of Nowata, OK; Harris and Lucas Bode of Wann, OK; and Malleigh, Everleigh, Stella, and Berkley Bode of Norfolk, NE; his four-legged companion, Dog; six siblings: Doris Rusnak of Wisconsin; Pat (John “Red”) Burgert of Table Rock, NE; Stan Bode of Elgin; Clay Bode of Ord, NE; Charlie (Shelley) Bode of Elgin; and Doug (Jean) Bode of Burwell, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Delbert Jr.; and brother, Jeff Bode.
