David Bodendorfer

SALEM –David Bodendorfer, 75, went home to be with the Lord on New Year’s Eve with Marilee and Pastor Mike by his side.

He was born September 8, 1950 in Cambridge, Ohio. Rudolph and Sara Bodendorfer brought him home to Salem with great joy.

David was a “Mr. Fixit” from childhood. Thankfully, his parents encouraged that. He tore down and rebuilt many things. As a teen he had his own radio station from his house, was a photographer for activities at school and in junior high sabotaged the between-class bells for a teacher. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. He worked at a TV repair shop as a young man, then went to college and joined Picker Electronics in Cleveland working with X ray equipment. He later repaired CT scanners and MRI equipment.

He was legally blind from birth, but that never slowed him down. David loved drums and all kinds of music. He participated with JCFilms making family-friendly movies that honored His Lord Jesus. David loved Jesus with his whole heart and served him faithfully for many years. Always ready to serve in any way.

In 2019, following a calling from God, Matthew 26: 16 to 20, he and Marilee formed a nonprofit group to aid the destitute children and families in Masaka, Uganda. God was the author of this work. Today 400 children are served and getting a Christian education to serve their home country Uganda. The nonprofit is Rock Kidz Uganda, Inc and supports Divine Junior School and Divine Ministries. In lieu of flowers, David would appreciate donations to Rock Kidz Uganda, Inc., 1814 E. Third St., Salem, OH 44460

David leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Marilee Longanecker Bodendorfer; his sister, Bec Withers (Mike); and three nephews, Dana Brown, Derek Brown and Jake Long. David had seven children including Shawn Bodendorfer (Laura), Mindy Smalley (Scott), Ashley Cooper (Bobby), Patrick (Vonnie), Erin Bodendorfer (Nick) Brandon (Nova), and Jesse Bodendorfer. He leaves grandchildren Chantelle Jones, Joshua Bodendorfer, Kara Hill (Darren) and Corrie (Kasie) Bezon. Grandsons Nathaniel and Noah Smalley; granddaughter Eleanor Bodendorfer; great-grandchildren, Mya Hill, DJ Hill, Corrie Bezon, Gwen and Topanga Bezon.

David was an active member and former deacon of Connecting Life Church. He was a faithful servant working and caring for others. He was a member of the Praise team doing audio and video recordings.

We will all miss you David, but so glad you are with Jesus and no longer suffering.

A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Zion Hill Church, 14550 New Buffalo Rd. Columbiana, Ohio 44408 Burial will be at Zion Hill Cemetery. Friends and family will be received one hour prior at the church.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view David’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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