Alexander Grotophorst Bodenstein

Alexander Grotophorst Bodenstein died Dec. 23, 2003, at South Lyon Medical Center in Yerington. He was born June 18, 1920, in Green Bay, Wis., and grew up in Madison, Devils Lake and Baraboo, Wis.

He attended the University of Wisconsin then enlisted in the Army in 1941.

He served as a commissioned officer in Japan and Philippines and was discharged as a first lieutenant.

He married Elizabeth "Betty" Railbourne in 1943.

He graduated from Utah State University at Logan in 1948 with a bachelor of science in range management and a minor in forestry. His first job was with the Soil Conservation Service in Ely. He moved to Yerington and continued working in soil conservation and contracted to haul hay. He also drove trucks for the Anaconda Copper Mine.

From 1953 to 1957, he was foreman of the Flying M Ranch. He then became pit foreman at the Standard Slag Iron Mine and earned a license in real estate. In 1962, he and his wife established Bodenstein Insurance and Real Estate. She died in September 1974.

He married Marilee "Chic" Bowman in 1975. They bought a home in Ajo, Ariz., in 1993. He owned and worked the Dead Horse Well Turquoise Mine from 1970 to 1993. He enjoyed wood carving, cooking for the Cattlemen's Association, roundups and photography.

Among his survivors are his second wife; sons and daughters-in-law Stan and Susan of Los Alamos, N.M., and Kirk and Tweety of Gardnerville; brother and sister-in-law, Neil and Phillis of Savannah, Ga.; five stepchildren; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; a niece and a nephew.

A memorial service was held Monday.

Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.