Richard Hodge

Richard Hodge, known affectionately as Dick, was born on June 21, 1932, in Maplewood, Ohio, to Russell and Mary (Stephenson) Hodge. He graduated from Sidney High School, where he participated in the band and science club, and went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from Miami University in Ohio. Dick began his career at North American Aviation before joining Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he dedicated more than thirty-two years to programs involving space, military, commercial, and railroad equipment. In 1990, he received the Engineer of the Year Award from Collins Commercial Avionics. He later continued his professional work at Wabtec for another ten years.

A devoted family man, Dick married Donna Jean Frank in 1955, and together they raised three children. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and the First United Methodist Church. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, painting, puzzles, and ham radio.

Dick is survived by his three children: sons Dr. Richard (Stephanie) of Cedar Rapids and Dennis (Terri) of Marion, and daughter Rev. Dr. Dawn (David) Alitz of Apple Valley, Minnesota. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ben (Anna) of Noblesville, Indiana; Stephen (Lauren) of Spring Hill, Tennessee; Gabe (Brittany) of Copper Mountain, Colorado; Chris (Hiroko) of Iwakuni, Japan; Nick (Amber) of Chicago, Illinois; Erin (Mike) Thorson of Marion; Jonah of Marion; Birgit Alitz of Mason City, Iowa; and Tabitha Alitz of Junction City, Kansas. He leaves behind ten great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Marion Methodist Church.