Melvin Hodge

Melvin Hodge, 88, of Atlantic and former long-time resident of Marne, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at Allen Place in Atlantic.

Melvin was born on July 16, 1926, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was raised by Herbert and Hazel Johnson on their farm northwest of Marne, Iowa. Melvin attended country school in Marne and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1946. Following graduation, Melvin helped on the family farm for a time. He was drafted into the United States Army, willingly serving his country from 1951 to 1953, during the Korean Conflict.

He was united in marriage to Frances Marie Holtz in Avoca, Iowa, in 1954. The couple returned to farm and were blessed with two daughters, Mary Beth and Jody Ann. Frances passed away on February 1, 1978. He later married Lola Sieck, on March 17, 1979, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic.

Melvin farmed the homestead northwest of Marne until his first retirement. After only a couple of years, he became antsy and took up over-the-road trucking, driving a semi.

He was a member of the Elks Club, American Legion Post #43, and the VFW. In his spare time he enjoyed polka dancing, leisurely Sunday afternoon drives and watching old Westerns. His favorite pastime was visiting with friends and he would never miss an opportunity to do so.

Melvin will be greatly missed by his wife of 36 years, Lola; daughters, Jody Ann (Dale) Weideman of North Platte, NE and Mary Beth (Mark) Sidebottom of Persia, IA; five grandchildren, Eric (Ashley) Weideman, Aaron Weideman, Samuel (Nicole) Weideman, Matthew Weideman, and Elizabeth Sidebottom; 2 great-grandchildren, Mila & Hunter Weideman; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by first wife, Frances; his parents, Herbert and Hazel Johnson; four siblings, Bud, Aaron & Arnold Johnson and Ilene Risk.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Marne, with Pastor Jerry Neal officiating. Committal services, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held at the Brighton Township Cemetery in Marne.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2015, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church in Marne.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Melvin's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Melvin L. Hodge

BORN
July 16, 1926
Omaha, Nebraska

ENTERED INTO REST
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
At the age of
88 Years, 8 Months & 22 Days
Atlantic, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 A.M., Saturday, April 11, 2015
United Methodist Church ~ Marne, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Jerry Neal

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“How Great Thou Art” - by the Congregation
“On Eagles’ Wings” by Jeff Krueger
“In The Garden” by the Congregation

CASKET BEARERS
Alan Redler
Jericho Schmidt
David Bissell, Jr.
Steve Nelson
Eric Weideman
Wayne Preister

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Friends and community members from Marne
and the surrounding communities.

INTERMENT
Brighton Township Cemetery ~ Marne, Iowa

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard

LUNCHEON
Melvin’s family invites friends & relatives to join them
for lunch in the Marne Community Hall following the committal service.

Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church in Marne.