Karl Bode

Karl Martin Bode , a resident of Abiquiu, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at the age of ninety. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Hill of Española. Karl was a Northern New Mexico icon and will long be remembered as a story teller.  He had a memory for detail and dates that kept listeners spellbound -- he loved to tell it all.  He was a lover of horses and the great outdoors, a conservationist at heart. Karl attended schools at St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe and El Rito Normal School.  He served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1952. On his return home he worked with his father, Martin John Bode, at Bodes General Merchandise Store and took over ownership of the store in the 1950’s working nearly every day until his retirement in 1994. Karl was more than a friendly merchant along Highway 84, he was always willing to help strangers and locals in need. He was a friend to so many and will be greatly missed. He was a life-long member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Abiquiu. Mr. Bode is survived by his four sisters, M. Elizabeth Allred of Santa Fe, Gertrude T. Valles and Josephine C. Merten (Henry) of California and Charlotte A. Paetzold (George) of Abiquiu; fifteen nieces and nephews and numerous great-grand nieces and nephews.  A rosary will be recited on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Thomas Catholic Church. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. also at the St. Thomas Catholic Church. Burial to follow at the Abiquiu Cemetery.  A luncheon will be served following at the Joe Ferran Gym on the Plaza. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church P.O. Box 117, Abiquiu, NM 87510 or to your favorite charity. The family of Karl Martin Bode has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Karl Martin Bode, please visit our Tree Store.