Dolores M. Bodendieck

Dolores M. Bodendieck, nee Claro, 91 of New Athens, IL, passed away peacefully at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL on Thursday September 10, 2026. Dolores was born on July 21, 1935, in East St. Louis, IL to Nicholas P. and Anna Mae (Rimmer) Claro and her parents precede her in death. Dolores was the last remaining sibling and is preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Alphonso Claro, Charles (Pauline) Claro, Marguerite (Joseph) Doyle, Felemeno Claro, George Claro, Levenia (Gene) Rayborn, Joseph (Betty) Claro, William (Betty) Claro, Alexander (Shirley) Claro, Bernard Claro and Thomas (Marie) Claro.

Dolores grew up in East St. Louis, IL and attended Lansdowne Elementary School and later East Side High School. She married James Bodendieck shortly after high school and they lived in Villa Hills, IL, East St. Louis, IL and later in Freeburg, IL. Dolores was very hard working and raised her children with love while maintaining full-time employment outside of the home.

In her spare time, Dolores loved to travel to see her relatives, often going to Arkansas to visit her sister and the Lake of the Ozarks to visit her brother. She enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower gardens and she was an excellent baker. She was especially known for her talent with sweet treats; her cheesecakes and crème puffs are legendary. Most important to Dolores was the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dolores will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend of many.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Terri (Drew) Kirchoff, Anna (Daniel) Mattern and Jim (Lisa) Bodendieck, Jr; her sister-in-law, JoAnn Claro; her grandchildren: Brad (Alyssa) Hoernis, Patrick (Erin) Hoernis, Eric Smith, Heather Smith, Daniel Mattern and James (Crystal) Bodendieck III; her great-grandchildren: Kylie Hoernis, Lane Hoernis, Ava Hall, Marley Hall, Lily Hall, Brayden Schilling, Bryce Schilling, Wendy Mattern, Fox Mattern, Ivan Randall, Hannah Bodendieck and Emilyn Bodendieck in addition to many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Private burial will take place at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, IL at a later date.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.