TOPEKA, Kan. – Bob D. Bodenheimer, 86, of Topeka, Kan., passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Midland Hospice House. Bob was born the son of Orley Pitts and Katie Blanche (Ingram) Bodenheimer, on Dec. 30, 1935, in Osage City, Kan.
He was raised during the Great Depression and his family came from limited means. As a young boy, Bob learned the value of hard work during tough times. He graduated from Osage City High School. He then attended the College of Emporia, and received a master’s degree in mathematics from Kansas State University.
He married Mary Ann Burroughs, March 6, 1955, in Emporia, Kan. Together, they shared almost 60 years of marriage. Mary passed away Dec. 20, 2014.
Bob’s teaching career started at Garnett High School in 1957. The family moved to Topeka in 1964, and started teaching for USD 501, including at Landon Middle School, Jardine Middle School, Highland Park High School, and retiring from Shawnee Heights High School in 2004. After his retirement, he was an adjunct professor for Washburn University. During Bob’s teacher career, he was a successful basketball coach for 38 years. He won two 5A state championships as Shawnee Heights’ head coach in 1988 and 1989, and was assistant coach at Highland Park, winning two 4A state basketball championships, and in 1976 he was the only grand-state championship coach in Kansas history.
During his spare time, Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. He was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his three beloved daughters, Kathy Parks and her husband, Marvin, Karen Beckley, and Kirsten Martinez and her husband, Marty Jr.; eight grandchildren, Kelly Jones, Annie Pinto, Daniel Jones, David Beckley, Amber Beckley, Richard Martinez, Michael Martinez, and Matt Parks; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ann Bodenheimer; brother, Charles Bodenheimer; and two sisters, Lucille Milham and Maxine Adolph.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions can be made to Sole Reason, 1235 NE Kellam Ave., Topeka, KS 66616, a not-for-profit with the mission of providing every needy child in the local community with a new pair of sneakers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW Sixth Ave., Topeka, KS 66603. Condolences can be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.
