Levi Donald Bodily

Donald’s early years were spent on the family farm in Lewiston. In growing up during the Depression years he learned the value of hard work and the importance of gaining an education. He attended school at Lewiston Elementary and Lewiston Junior High School and graduated from North Cache High School in 1949. He later attended Utah State Agricultural college (later named Utah State University). Schooling came easy for him, and he was noted for his ability to remember dates and places. Donald lost interest in farming after suffering a severe broken leg injury which placed him in bed in traction for the summer of 1945.

At the age of 17, Donald had an insatiable desire to travel and see the world. Between his junior and senior years of high school, Donald hitchhiked from Richmond Utah to New York City and back by himself. After high school Donald joined the Army National Guard unit in Smithfield, Utah. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Air Force and spent most of his tour of duty in Germany. Not long after he left the National Guard, his unit was activated and he served during the Korean War.

After his military service, Donald worked for the Federal Aviation Administration installing radar equipment throughout the western states for the air control of commercial airlines. Throughout Donald’s career, he still had a desire to travel to every state in the Union. He set a goal of going to every county and parish in the entire nation. After driving tens of thousands of miles over decades of time, he eventually reached his goal and visited all 3,143 counties/parishes. He also traveled to every Provence and Territory in Canada.

Donald married Gerda Pederson on April 29,1961. Together they traveled to remote areas in the western states as part of his employment with the FAA. While they had no children, Donald and Gerda kept a close relationship with his siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. Donald was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his brother David. He is survived by his brothers Stephen, Norman, Samuel (Jolene), sister Eileen Lyon, and sister-in-law Beth Alene Bodily.

A viewing for family and friends will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary and Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah on Tuesday June 13, 2023, at Noon followed by graveside ceremonies at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.