David T. Bodeau

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David Thomas Bodeau, 19, of Eau Claire died unexpectedly Monday, May 28, 2007 at Sawbill Outfitters in Tofte, Minnesota. He was born September 9, 1987 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He and his family moved to Eau Claire just before his fourth birthday and he lived the rest of his life here.
 

David had just finished his first year at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, and was majoring in biochemistry and minoring in economics. His career goal was to become a dentist, but he was so full of life and interests that dentistry was far from his only goal. He loved life and was always surrounded by friends. 
 
He had many interests and was always discovering new ones. He loved reading, working hard, baking, and woodworking. He was never afraid to try something new and brought a real zest to everything he did, whether it was on the dance floor or dressing up in some outrageous outfit for a special day at school. One of David's favorite places was his family's cabin in Northern Minnesota, where he was always involved in a project, building something or splitting wood. 

 
David and his sisters shared a special relationship. He was the best younger brother and older brother that they could ever imagine. They shared a sense of humor, particularly regarding their endearing, doting parents. David was a gentle teaser, a protective brother and a dear friend to Sarah and Erin.
 
David looked forward to the annual Father/Son fishing trip in Canada with his dad, his grandfathers, cousins and friends. He shared special times with his dad fishing, planning and building a gardening shed and introducing his dad to new music and literature. Last May, David and his father gave David's mom a special Mother's Day gift when they played a duet at the Memorial High School Pops concert. 
 
David was a crewmember of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters and just beginning his second summer with them. He considered himself a member of the Sawbill family headed by Bill and Cindy Hansen -- he loved them and they loved him very much. 
 
He was a 2006 graduate of Memorial High School. David loved to learn and was deeply influenced by many teachers at Memorial. He played tuba, bass trombone, and was band president his senior year. Highlights of his school career were going to New York for the Essentially Ellington jazz festival in 2005 with Memorial Jazz One, and many years competing with teams in Odyssey of the Mind / Destination Imagination.
 
David is survived by his parents Don and Kim Bodeau, two sisters Sarah and Erin, all of Eau Claire; grandparents Bob and Lois Bodeau of Chippewa Falls, and Del and Ginger Minske of Longville, MN; great-grandfather Elmer Minske of Waseca MN; 14 aunts and uncles; 17 cousins; and countless friends from Eau Claire, University of River Falls and his Sawbill family.
 
Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3214 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 on Saturday June 2, 2007 at 1:30 pm, with Pastor David K. Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire immediately following services. 
 
Friends may call on Friday evening, June 1, 2007 at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 3-8 pm and again on Saturday from 12:30 pm until the time of services. Due to the High School Graduation Ceremony, friends and classmates are encouraged to attend visitation earlier in the evening.
 
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in David's name at a later date.
 
Friends may offer their condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com. Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Rd., Eau Claire, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.