Robert L. Dodge

Robert 'Bob' Dodge of Hastings passed away peacefully February 5th 2008 at the age of 82. Bob was born in Hastings on June 1st 1925 to Lewis and Verna Dodge. He proudly served in the Pacific theater of World War II, aboard the U.S.S. Wichita as a first class machinist. Bob married LaVerna Gergen on July 29th 1950 at St. Boniface church in Hastings. They had five children: Denise (Jeffrey) Atkinson, Scott (Kay) Dodge, Valerie (David) Youngren, Jonathan (Tammy) Dodge and Wendy (Michael) Agen, all of Hastings. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, both parents, brother Jack and young sister Rita. Surviving siblings include sister Janet Ask of Hastings and brother James Dodge of Farmington. Although Bob never formally finished high school, due to his naval duties, he was extremely self educated and very well read. He loved his home town and was very active in many civic projects. A roving fixture of downtown Hastings, he offered opinions and knowledge to merchants and visitors alike. A great fondness for family and various gatherings was obvious, but also a keen interest in all history, music and golf best describes Bob. He seldom missed a Raider football game at Todd Field. After the war he was employed by the Milwaukee Road railroad for over 20 years, but an accident in 1967 forced him into another direction. Learning the shoe ? repair business at Minneapolis Vo-Tech, he owned and operated SAV-A-SHU in downtown Hastings for over 18 years. Many friends visited him at the shoe shop and hot topics of the day were discussed and dissected thoroughly. He always had very strong opinions. Visitation was held at the Wise Family Funeral Home Thursday February 7th and funeral services were at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with Father Jim Perkl officiating on Friday February 8th. Interment was at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton cemetery in Hastings. Fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many friends and family will miss him dearly.