The country road has taken Dad home where he belongs for the last time. William F. (Bill) Hodnett of West Lafayette, Indiana passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022 at the age of 79 while in his winter home
location of Sun City West, AZ. While he currently resided in West Lafayette, IN, he was a long time resident (30+ years) of Rensselaer, Indiana. Bill took his last turn around the infamous Mulberry bush he was known for by his grandchildren after going into cardiac arrest Monday, January 10th.
Bill was full of life since the day he was born in Chicago, IL on January 3, 1943 to William and Zula Hodnett. He was the youngest of four children. His family later moved to Friendship, WI where he graduated from Adams-Friendship High School. His love for life and good times became evident in high school where he played baseball, basketball, was a member of student government and even a cheerleader.
After high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1970. During this time he accepted a position with the FBI and was later stationed in Germany. While serving in the military, Bill became well known for his comedic intermissions as part of the “Coachmen” folk singing group who performed in Germany. He received a letter of commendation from his commanding officer for contributing to the enjoyment and morale of his fellow 18th Artillerymen. He was also awarded a National Defense Service Medal for sharpshooting.
Bill attended Wisconsin Teachers College, the University of Maryland and the University of Wisconsin where he earned a degree in Business. He started as a Bill Collector for Adams County REMC in Adams-Friendship, Wisconsin and worked his way through the ranks, eventually serving as the CEO and General Manager of Jasper County REMC in Rensselaer, IN for 22 years. He was also proud of his service on the Board of Directors for NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) and NRTC (National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative) where he was a part of the launch of Direct TV and satellite Internet access. Bill was well known for his love of golf, both in Indiana and Arizona, and was a longtime member of Curtis Creek Country Club and he loved spending time watching his grandchildren participate in their school and sporting events.
Bill is survived by his current wife of 14 years, Deborah (Foreman) Hodnett. Bill is preceded in death by his former wife of 32 years, Patricia T. (Greic) and together they had four children who survive. Daughters Kelly (Gary) Berenda of Rensselaer, IN, Kathleen Hodnett of Fishers, IN, Christopher (Alicia) Hodnett of McCordsville, IN and Charles (Resa) Hodnett of West Lafayette, IN. Two step-children Nicole (Snider) Page of Gaithersburg, MD and James Hays of Scottsdale, AZ. Bill, along with Debbie were also the proud grandparents to 7 grandchildren, Sydneigh Berenda, Benjamin Berenda, Ella Hodnett, Michael Hodnett, Nolan Hodnett, Cole Hodnett, and Gabrielle Page. Also survived by his sister Emily Socha of West Monroe, LA and 11 Sister-in laws and 2 Brother in-laws. Preceded in death by his sisters Betty Pytel and Judy Pytel.
A visitation is planned for Bill on Tuesday, January 18th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Steinke Funeral Home, located at 403 N. Front St., Rensselaer, IN. Funeral service at 12:30 with Pastor Andy Majorins officiating. Graveside burial service with military honors will immediately follow at Weston Cemetery located on Bunkum Road in Rensselaer, IN. All are welcome to join us for a dinner at the American Legion, 1565 N McKinley Ave, Rensselaer, IN following the graveside service as we continue to celebrate his life. A Celebration of Life will also be held on January 29th in Sun City West, Arizona.
***The family requests those not vaccinated to please be considerate and wear a mask while attending all services due to the ongoing pandemic.
For those unable to attend, both the funeral service and graveside service for William “Bill” Hodnett will be live-streamed on the Steinke Funeral Home website www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 beginning at 12:30 p.m. CST. Please note: there may be a brief delay at the beginning of the livestream.
To view on mobile devices, scroll down below William’s Obituary and Service Details to Webcasting. Click Watch Webcast.
To view on a desktop computer, click Photos & Videos above the obituary. Scroll down to Webcasting and click Watch Webcast.
A recording of the livestream will be viewable for 90 days.
Those wishing to honor William F. (Bill) Hodnett, his love of life and family, and his dedication to both, can make donations, in lieu of flowers, to the American Legion Post 29 in Rensselaer, IN mylegion.org and/or any children’s youth organization of your choice.