John Reynolds Hodge Sr. parted with his family to meet the Lord Fri, Jul 14, 2006.
John spent the last weeks of his life happily among his family, as July is always a time of gathering and good times. He was a family man first and foremost, and adored his wife, children, and grandchildren.
As a young man John served proudly in the U.S. Air Force, and later devoted 35 years to Frankfort Manufacturing Inc. He was also a member of Crystal Lake Masonic Lodge No. 270 F & AM. The last two years he worked alongside his son, grandson, and sons in law at Moore Mechanical.
In earlier years, John was an avid sportsman, and more recently he liked working on his lawn, tinkering in the garage and enjoying some well deserved down time with Zelda on the swing in the back yard.
John was known for his habit of catching a few Z's in his chair at the dining room table, waiting up until most of the town were tucked safely in bed. Even in recent days he awaited his grown children's safe return home before retiring for the evening. John will be dearly missed, but forever in our hearts. We know that he is sitting at the head of his heavenly table awaiting the safe arrival of those he loved.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Zelda, to whom he was married for 45 years; daughters, Billie Jo (Rod) Moore, Ida Hewell (Kent Pate), Mary Arnold, Tammy (Jon) Bolter, and Peggy (Aaron) Blattner; son, John Jr. (Jessica) Hodge, a dear mother in law, Ida Mix; sister, Aleta (Warren) Aylsworth; brother, Jerry (Bea) Hodge; 11 fiercely loved grandchildren; many sisters and brothers in law; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Hodge; mother Helen Hodge; and brother, Charles "Bud" Hodge, whose wife, Margaret survives.
Visitation will be Sun, Jul 16, 2006, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm, at the Frankfort Chapel of McElduff-Jowett Funeral Home. A funeral service will be Mon, Jul 17, 2006, at 11 am, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Rick Stieve officiating. Burial will be in the Crystal Lake Twp. Cemetery, North.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.
The Frankfort Chapel of McElduff-Jowett Funeral Homes & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.