WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Herman B. Hodge, age 82, of Matteson Township, passed away Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, unexpectedly at his home.
Herman was born March 21, 1932, in Orland, Ind., a son of the late Eugene and Cora (Huff ) Hodge.
He graduated from Reading High School and lived most of his adult life in the Bronson area, where he was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Colon.
On Nov. 21, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart Beverly Marsh in Camden and they had 57 years together until her death on March 16, 2008.
He had worked for more than 47 years for John Deere Company in the parts department, first at Hadley John Deere in Coldwater and later retired from Finnerman’s John Deere in Centreville. He then had a chainsaw business at his home with his son Rodney.
He is survived by three children, Rodney (Dawn) Hodge, Deborah (Gary) Yesh and Kathie (John) Macaulay, all of Bronson; four grandchildren, Rob Dearman of Lansing, Angela Dearman of Battle Creek, Jody (Leslie) Hodge of Battle Creek and Tylene (Ron) Green ofWayland; eight great-grandchildren, Katie, Allison, Emily and Isabella Dearman, Alexis Hodge, Michael, Hunter and Anthony Green; a sister, Betty Wells of Coldwater; and his faithful and loving companion, dog Pepper.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Bolinger; and three brothers, Larry, Shirley and Willard Hodge.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon. Funeral services celebrating the life of Herman B. Hodge will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at the funeral home, with Pastor David Grimm officiating. A committal service and burial will follow at Matteson Township Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorials be made in memory of Herman to either the Branch County or Calhoun County humane society. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
