Date of Birth:
Thursday, January 19, 1939
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Age:
83 years old

Dr. Roy “Bodie” Franklin House, Jr.

Bodie’s love of science inspired the creation of “Scientific Santa”, who would secretly leave science-related gifts for everyone under the Christmas tree every year. Another holiday favorite was the notorious House Christmas Party. This was an opportunity for Bodie to share his love of piano playing and singing as he gathered everyone around the piano to sing Christmas carols. But the big excitement of the evening was when Bodie would recite, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’, with a familiar tone and tenor and would, inevitably, be interrupted by a knock at the door, and who should appear, but Old Saint Nick with a sack full of gifts. It was a cherished annual tradition.

Bodie took great pleasure in exposing his children and grandchildren to the arts, most notably musical theater, taking annual trips to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, which was enjoyed by all. One of his greatest joys was spending time down at “The Farm” near Chatfield, MN.  This area is known as “The Chosen Valley” and that is how he felt about Triple B Farm (Betty, Bodie, and Bunch). He was often seen heading off on his beloved 1950s Ford tractor with his Bush Hog mower in tow preparing to mow the numerous trails throughout the farm. He loved sharing the farm with family, friends, and colleagues, including many of his medical students. He and Betty hosted many outings that included neighborhood campouts, House family reunions, nature hikes, “Green Machine” (Polaris side-by-side) tours throughout the scenic 210 acres, canoeing and tubing adventures down the Root River, and showing off the tree house that Betty built.  In addition, he adored sharing many holidays with his family in the barn. Most of all, his passion was his work as a pediatrician and teacher in the study of medicine.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 19, 1939, to Roy Franklin House Sr. and Ruth Ivy Stephens, he had one older sister, Peggy, who was a constant support in his life. He had fond memories of growing up in Mountain Home, Arkansas in a small government village, while his father was employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he assisted in the planning and building of the Norfork Dam and the Bull Shoals Dam. Bodie attended Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee. He earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in Chemistry and a medical degree from the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis. After medical school he entered the United States Air Force and was stationed in Guam.  He received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his heroic acts and service. Upon returning stateside, he married Betty Jo Reynolds at Sewart AFB in Smyrna, Tennessee on October 27, 1967, and they proceeded to have four children in the next five years. After the Air Force he started his medical career in Family Practice in Red Bay, Alabama, and then moved to Rochester, Minnesota, to complete his Pediatric Residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. Although Bodie never lost his southern drawl, Rochester would become home for the next 50 years.

During his 30+ year career as a pediatrician at Mayo, he treated countless patients with tremendous care and dedication, and was an exceptional diagnostician. Dr. House formed lifelong connections with many of his patients and their families, as well as his wonderful nurses. Dr. House influenced the education of many young physicians and valued the relationships with his medical students. He received numerous awards and honors, and served on a great many boards. He was a lifelong volunteer in the community.  His accomplishments in life and his love for people had a tremendous and positive impact on his family, friends, community and country.  He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as someone who made a difference.

In addition to his children, grandchildren, and wife, Bodie is survived by his sister, Peggy Roberts (Heyward), his nieces, Mary Ellen Gabriel (Rick) and Kathy Roberts, and his nephew Charlie Roberts, along with their children, as well as other dear relatives and friends.

A memorial service and celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 1:00pm, with visitation starting at noon and a reception following the service.

Memorials are preferred to The Ronald McDonald House, The Reading Center, or 125 Live in Rochester, or an environmental charity of your choice.  These are organizations Bodie felt strongly about.  Thank you.