Obren Bodiroga Obituary (1916 - 2011)

Obren (Papa) Bodiroga died February 23, 2011, in Boswell Hospital, Sun City, AZ @ 94 1/2 years old. He was still walking the day before taken to the hospital and his mind was very sharp. His strength, perseverance and determination had been amazing and I am forever grateful. He had a great character and you knew his word was good as gold. He was born on August 16, 1916, at Constellation, AZ second child to Simo (Sam) and Mila (Mijanovich) Bodiroga. He had an older sister Stella (deceased) & four brothers, Louie, Wesley, George (deceased) & Pete (deceased). He was a lifetime resident of Arizona. He was married to his wife Dolley (Penrod) Bodiroga until her passing in 1996 for 49 years and had three children, Cheryll (deceased), Sharla and Obren (Obie) Ray. Dad was a USA Army CPL Veteran from World War II and proud to have served his country along with his four younger brothers serving during the War. He was in the construction business for over 50 years and operated heavy equipment and was considered the best in those years and was a lifetime member of Operating Engineers Local No. 428. He was also a real cowboy since a young age and loved his horses and raised cattle. Obie his son carries on the same passion and love for horses. He enjoyed the rodeos and going to the horse races and watching bull riding on the television. Dad was happiest being out doors no matter what the temperature would be. He especially cherished his trips with Mom to Colorado and the Penrod reunions through the years. His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him so much joy and his smiles and hugs for them were so genuine and pure and his eyes sparkled when he saw them. The stories he has told us will forever stay in my heart and he will be missed tremendously until we are all reunited. Survivors include two brothers Louie & Wesley; his Son, Obie & Dot Bodiroga, Daughter, Sharla Bodiroga, Son in law, Dennis Doom; Seven grandchildren, Brandon (Jackie), Carson (Cindy), Shawna (Mark), Melissa (Andy), Shelby (Tim), Brian (Kari) and Chris; 16 Great Grandchildren, Gavin, Chase, Ryan, Amber, Elizabeth, Charli, Zachary, Marquee, Seth, Abigail, Alex, Preston, Madison, Tatum, McKenzie & Dylan; Brothers in law, Johnny (Peggy) Penrod, Lenford (Jane) Penrod, Eddie (Cathy) Penrod; Sisters in law, Freda Lilly and Audrey. Also surviving are numerous Nieces and Nephews on the Bodiroga and Penrod sides of family. He was preceded in death by: Wife, Dolley Penrod Bodiroga, Daughter, Cheryll Bodiroga Doom, Grandson, Michael Edward Jenkins, Grand daughter, Holly Ann Bodiroga, Great Grand daughter, Jenna Kristeen Jenkins, Great Grandson, Tanner C. Sumner; Father, Simo Bodiroga, Mother, Mila Mijanovich Bodiroga, Sister, Stella Bodiroga Dixon , Brother, George Bodiroga, and Brother, Pete Bodiroga. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery with Pastor Dean Stanley of First Southern Baptist Church officiating.