Stephen Vincent Bodlovic passed away peacefully in his home in Atlanta GA surrounded by family in the early hours of November 2nd, 2021. He was born on October 12, 1938, in St. Louis MO.
His mother (Katie) and father (Vince) were married and very active at St. Joseph Croatian Church. His mother was a member in Our Lady Sodality and an active worker in the church functions. His father and two Uncles started Sokol Dalmatia.
Stephen was baptized at St. Joseph Church and attended Croatian school for one year before the school was closed, he then transferred to St. Agnes.
He follows his Mother and Father in services at St. Joseph Croatian Church.
Stephen started his career with Liggett & Myers before being hired by Colgate Palmolive where he worked for 35 years, retiring as Zone Manager US Sales Military Division. He won numerous awards including salesman of the year multiple times.
Stephen was an extremely generous man who loved his family. He was loyal and instilled integrity in his children. He served in the Army National Guard Reserves, was an avid sports fan and golfer. He enjoyed road trips and traveling. A highlight of his life was visiting Bol Croatia where his father and his siblings left to come to America in August 1920. He loved to laugh and brought a smile to everyone he met. He will be missed!
Stephen is preceded in death by his father Vincent Vicko Bodlovic, mother Catherine Gertude Bodlovic, mother of his children, Eileen Bodlovic (McLain), survived by his wife Sharon Kay Bodlovic, his daughters Eileen Denise and Suzanne Christine Bodlovic (Jack Wigmore) , Stepdaughter Tammy Lance McCurley (Mike), William Chad Lance (deceased) sister Kathleen Helen Smith (Gary deceased), nephew Vincent Raymond Smith (Maggie), Niece Shari Kathleen Wooldridge (the late Timothy), Amanda Lee Owsley (Daniel), Alison Marie Welch (Michael) Nephew Paul DeCarlo (Natalie) Douglas DeCarlo (Shari) Brian DeCarlo (Lara) Justin DeCarlo (Sara) Luke DeCarlo (Melissa). Great Nephew Andrew Timothy Wooldridge, Great Niece Blair Kathleen Wooldridge, Great Nephew Connor Vincent Smith. Grandson Michael Lance McCurley, Granddaughter Lauren Kate McCurley, Grandson Jayden Lance, Granddaughter Lucie Maeanna Lance, Grandson Bryce Alexander Welch, Grandson Joseph McLain Owsley, Granddaughter Scarlett Ann Owsley and Granddaughter Charley Isabella Welch.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Stephen Bodlovic’s name to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, armhc.org, 795 N. Gatewood Road NE Atlanta GA 30329. (404) 315 1133.
VISITATION: Monday, November 8, 2021 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
SERVICES: Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at St. Joseph Croatian Catholic Church 2112 S. 12th St., St. Louis, MO 63104 at 10:00 a.m.
Interment Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery.
ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHEL FUNERAL HOME.
My sympathy to Kathy and family. My best memory of Steve is him playing the accordion at St. Joseph school. This was when I was in the first grade. The nuns would take Steve from class to class to have him play that has always stayed with my memories. Steve’ s mom and my mom were life long friends.
Sympathy to all
Loretta,
Thank you for sharing this story. I can imagine Dad playing his accordion for all of the classes. He was one of a kind and will be missed.
Sending my condolences to Steve’s family members. My husband, Raymond Haukap now deceased was in the Army Reserves with Steve where they became life long friends. I have fond memories of him. He would stop by the house for visits when our children were very young and became known to them as the “Colgate Guy”. We all loved his stories. So very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy! Mary Haukap, St. Louis, Mo
Steve and my brother., Raymond, met when students at St. Mary’s High School in St Louis, and subsequently began their friendship. Thus, i met Steve on many occasions. In fact, we were both attendants in Ray and Mary’s wedding. And after that reception we went to a supper at my aunt’s home, and Steve brought his accordion, ready to contribute to the festivities! I remember him always friendly and smiling. My sincere sympathy on the loss of a fine, good man.
Thank you for sharing your story. He enjoyed making people smile, so this story does not surprise me. He actually played his accordion at his 80th birthday party!
He will be missed
Mary,
Thank you for sharing your story. He was a loyal friend and would tell us many stories of the time with your husband. He was known as the Colgate Guy to a lot of people. He was such a generous man and will be missed.