Donald W. Hodges

Donald Wilson Hodges, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 13th in Burlington, Wisconsin. He was born at home on July 25, 1935 in Kahoka, Missouri. He was the only and beloved child of Olive Wilson Hodges and Alfred Lynn Hodges. He married the love of his life, Imojean Eaves, on August 25, 1956 at St. John’s UCC, Fort Madison, Iowa. They celebrated 62 years loving and caring for each other. He is survived by Imojean, his three children, Luann Eipert (Gerhard), James Hodges, (Aileen), and Susan Powell (Ken); six grandchildren, Jessica Masters (Mike), Collin Poetting (Nikki), Abby Poetting, Ashley Samuel, Alfred Hodges, and Oland Hodges; four great grandchildren, Naomi Cruthcher, Lewis Poetting, Park Mickelsen, and Alexander Irias. He is survived by cousins Gary Hodges, Mik Hodges, and Helen St. Clair.

As a small child during the Great Depression, Don traveled in a small homemade camper all across the United States with his parents, who showed movies as part of missionary services. He attended many grade schools and his mother, a teacher, also instructed him as they traveled, He helped his father build their home in Fort Madison and he graduated from Fort Madison Senior High in 1953. He attended the University of Iowa and Culver Stockton College, where he received his bachelor degree in education. He completed his Master’s degree at Western Illinois, University. He taught elementary school in Fort Madison Community Schools for 25 years. He always enjoyed hearing from former students. During the summers he and his father painted houses and mowed lawns. He then worked at DuPont until his retirement in 1997. 

Don loved learning, reading, painting, drawing, history, camping, building things, and music. He played many instruments and sang bass in the choir at St. John’s UCC. His children have precious memories of trips to the Cattermole Library for story hour and to get books, and trips to Rempe Music for music lessons and records. He loved playing his guitar and singing , especially with his uncle, Oland Wilson, on holidays, and any time they could get together. Don was a loyal friend and a good neighbor. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. His final years were difficult after a stroke and a long battle with cancer. His strength and endurance, and a life well lived are enduring gifts to his family and all who loved him. 

Services to be announced for later date (summer). 

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