Daniel R. Dodge

Daniel Dodge ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home on Mar. 5, 2026.Daniel Ray Dodge, passed away on March 4, 2026, surrounded by loved ones on the family farm where he grew up, raised his family, and always called home. He was 73 years old.Dan (or Danny) was known for his strength of character, strong work ethic, and a willingness to help anyone who needed it. His quick wit, ornery sense of humor, body-shaking laugh, and big smile were his constant companions throughout every season of life. Dan Dodge simply did not believe in quitting until the job was done.Dan's dedication to his family was only matched by his strong faith in God. He married the love of his life, and best friend, Teresa, in June of 1972. He truly loved married life, and it showed. A marriage most only dream of, Dan and Teresa even cut their honeymoon short to go home early and start enjoying life on the farm. And that is exactly what they did. Together they shared everything life had to offer, in lockstep for the next 53+ years, until the day he passed, while raising their two sons, Darren and Justin, along the way.Born in Manhattan, but raised a lifelong resident of Olsburg, Dan graduated from Blue Valley High School in 1970. He then attended Kansas State University, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Animal Science in the spring of 1974.Starting as a dairy farmer, his first love, Dan showed his absolute willingness to quickly adapt and do what was best for his family, and also the life of the farm, by switching to beef production when the industry started to change. In partnership with his father, Glenn Dodge, he farmed and raised cattle for more than 40 years on the same family farm in Olsburg (with his wife Teresa and mother Viola never far behind). He also worked at Parker Hannifin for many years, retiring as the quality control manager.Dan was an avid Kansas State sports fan, but nothing ever matched his love for life on the farm. He wanted to be a farmer from the day he was born. He especially cherished the 4th of July celebrations on the farm, surrounded by family and friends, who traveled in from all across the country, with plenty of loud fireworks, and even louder voices and laughter. It was often a week-long celebration, and it is still a family tradition today.Dan's legacy lives on in the people he loved, the land he tended, and the countless moments of joy he shared with anyone fortunate enough to know him. Dan and Teresa together bravely fought a 40+ year war with Multiple Sclerosis, proving how strong their love and resolve truly was. His road was not an easy one, but Dan embraced every challenge that came his way and continued to touch lives long after the point where most would have simply given up.Dan and Teresa would like to thank every single person who helped to support them along the way. Along with the strength they found in their unwavering faith in God, this truly was a team effort. Thank you all, and God bless you!Dan is survived by his wife Teresa Dodge of Olsburg, sister Lois (Gary) Hellebust of Olsburg, brother-in-law Darrell Hills of Manhattan, sisters-in-law Sandra McCool of Manhattan, and Jane Estabrook of Manhattan, sons Darren Dodge of Manhattan, and Justin Dodge of Olsburg, nieces and nephews: Lisa McCool of Burleson, TX, Casey McCool of Manhattan, Samantha (Jeff) Zerr of Manhattan, Mattie Hellebust of Olsburg, Jeb Hellebust of Olsburg, Stephen Estabrook of Burke, VT, Kathryn Estabrook of Miami, FL, Westin Hills of Manhattan, and Addison Hills of Manhattan.Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Viola Dodge of Olsburg, and brother-in-law Martel McCool of Olsburg.A visitation will be held at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 7-9pm.A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:30 am at Sedalia Community Church, followed by a small luncheon. Interment will follow at his family farm in Olsburg.Contributions may be made in Dan's name to the Sedalia Community Church. They may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.