John Garth Bodtcher

John Bodtcher
Elsinore, Utah

John Garth Bodtcher passed away peacefully in his home on July 5, 2021 at the age of 83. He was born on October 19, 1937 in a log cabin south of the Richfield canal in Elsinore, Utah to John and Stella Marble Bodtcher.  He was raised in Elsinore, Utah where he graduated from South Sevier High School.

John had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. He ran track and played baseball as a young boy. He loved music and was in a band called The Utah Buckaroos. He enjoyed getting together with friends and playing the guitar and singing. John loved hunting with his son and grandsons. They spent time hunting for deer, pheasant, elk, doves and many more. He enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and jewelry smithing.  He enjoyed hiking with his uncle Melvin’s dog Pal.  He loved to watch and read old Westerns.

John was a successful electrician working for Cache Valley Electric and Yates Electric.  He joined the IBEW electrical union in 1957 where he had been a member for almost 64 years. One of his favorite projects was working on the Dean Whitter building.

He married Peggy Hansen on November 14, 1958. Together they had 5 children and raised them in Sandy, Utah.  They later divorced.

John married Kathryn Nielson on August 25, 2000 in Elsinore, Utah. John and Kathryn were junior high school sweethearts and enjoyed traveling and helping others.

John is survived by his loving wife Kathryn  who cared for him to the end. His children: Randy (Julie) Bodtcher, Shelley (Guy) Marler, Shauna (Jim) Sandmire, and Cami (Jerry)Kitchen; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Kathryn’s family: Michelle K. Kellee, Natalie (Gregory) Sorenson; 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Bodtcher; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Troy Byron Bodtcher; brother, David Bodtcher; Kathryn’s son, Michael Clark.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 12:00 Noon in Magleby Mortuary Chapel in Richfield, Utah, where friends may call from 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Burial will be in the Elsinore City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com