Kenneth Hodge Obituary

To my Father whom I love and will see again in Heaven, take care of Cosmo (our dog) till I see you. I want to thank you for always treating me as a son, and letting me marry your beautiful daughter; (I don't know if I would have)It's hard for me to write this without crying, I'm going to miss you.
A father is a creature that is forced to endure childbirth without an anesthetic. A father growls when he feels good and laughs when scared half to death.
A father never feels worthy of worship in a child's eyes. He's never quite the hero his daughter thinks; never quite the man his son believes him to be, and this worries him sometimes, so he works too hard to try and smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him.
A father get angry when the school grades aren't as good as he thinks they should be, so he scolds his son - though he knows it's the teacher's fault :).
a father gives his daughter away to another man who is not nearly good enough (thank you) so he can have grandchildren who are smarter than anybody's.
A father leads his family in love until it's time to go home.....
save a place for us dad, We Love You!!!
Timothy James Anglin Hodge

When I was a child, we spent many family weekends at the Hodge home. They are some of my most favorite childhood memories. I remember Ken cooking in the kitchen while he watched the small black and white tv on the kitchen counter. I recall Kim and Keli's 16th birthday gift, opening presents on Christmas morning, playing White Elephant games and I even remember a tearful wedding anniversary toast, as well as so many other happy memories during all of those wonderful visits. I remember Ken as a quiet, gentle and patient man. I feel so blessed to have been a part of the family. He was loved and will be missed by so many. Thank you, Grandpa Hodge for being a part of my life.

Keli, Just wanted to let you know that our prayers are with you and your family. I didn't know your father, other than hearing you speak of him. I know you will miss your dad deeply...just being able to pick up the phone to call him, or go see him, just to hear his voice. Looking thru his pictures, there is so much resemblence between you and him. Stay strong and know that we are here for you.

To Ken,
Your heart and commitment to your family is so evident. You can see your passion in your wifes eyes. Your strenght beats on in the hearts of your children. Your love for life, your wittiness, and humor will be missed by me and all you have touched. I am blessed to have known you. Thank you.

Love, Ron>>

Keli i know we dont know one another except through Face Book but i wanted to send condolances to you and the family.After reading these messages i know your dad was an awsome daddy,husband,grandpa & friend who touched many lives.Heaven has become just a little msweeter..loves to you sweetie

When I was 5 or 6 years old, in daycare, I remember one day a boy punched me in the back and hurt me. my Dad came to pick us up that day, and the owner let him have 'a talk' alone with that boy. Dont think you could get away with that these days; but on that day I knew, without a doubt, that my daddy "had my back". He taught me the typical things a dad teaches his kids: to ride a bike, drive a car, make blueberry buttermilk pancackes. But I think the most important thing my father taught me was patience. He showed me that by example, and as most who knew him well, he taught me patience because we always had to wait for him! I'm going to miss you, Daddy. I'm going to miss your awesome sense of humor, I'm going to miss being able to call you when I need help with fixing that perfect rare roast beef, and I'm going to miss your smile. You are my hero, Daddy, and I wrote this poem for you:
In life you were my hero, you gave me everything.
You were the perfect father, husband and Opa, that everyone could see.
Now your my angel ~ you have wings, you can fly!
Just remember to wrap them around me when you see me cry.

Love, 'Jellybean'.

My Darling Ken: There is so very much that you did to make me happy, I don't know where to begin. You were the "man" of men, and you were the easiest person to live with and get along with ever!!! My life was filled with lots of love and caring from you,
along with our mutual love of traveling
which I am so glad we were able to do.
Thanks for not ever giving up on my fear of flying, otherwise I would never have been able to see Germany, Switzerland and Austria with you, along with numerous trips here in our country.

My heartbreak of losing you will not ever heal, but because you left me with so many wonderful memories you will never not be a part of me. I know I will start each day thinking of you, and end it the same way.

Yours forever

Linda

I remember Holly's father as a kind and gentle man, that always made her smile! I would like to send my condolances to the entire family, he truly will be missed.

To Holly, Sue and Family,
We wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers this weekend. I know how much you loved and adored your Dad. Please extend our condolences to Linda, Chuck and your sisters.

-Kay, Pat, Matthew and Megan Brod, West Chicago, Illinois

Holly, Sue and Chuck, we are so sorry about the loss of your father. Although I only met him once, from all that I heard from Holly, he was a truly loving man. Our thoughts are with your family. Love, Dan, Carrie, Mackenzie and Mallory.

To Uncle Ken,
You always made me laugh, and always made my Mom laugh. I will never forget after having my twins, you came to visit with Abby to give me tips on raising twins and help! Imagine that! Most new Moms have their mothers and grandmothers come to help, I had my Uncle and Grandfather!!
I am so fortunate to have such a great family- love to you all!

To my Dad, I will always love you. You were always there through thick a thin. Just a phone call away anytime of day. You would listen patiently to what ever I would say and give your advise. You were my mentor, my support and my best friend. I will forever keep you in my heart.

My Dad (Ken) continues to work his loving and patient ways in so many lives from his new place in heaven. I love you.

Remembering Kenneth
Beryl Jean arrived in 1931. I came in 1932. Ken came in 1933. The Depression was still happening: 25% unemployed. Abby and Mimi were OK. While they were in Nutley NJ (we were in Wood-Ridge) the families certainly kept in touch (Abby was my mom's brother) but we babies didn't remember it. My first memory is of the summer of 1945, when Grandma Hodge and I took the Pennsylvania Railroad train to Pittsburgh and stayed with Mimi and Abby the whole summer. Abby was controller of U.S.Steel. He wore suits made of white linen or seersucker that summer. U.S. Steel still fired their furnaces with coal. He'd come home every night covered with soot. Beryl, Ken and I were 9, 10, 11, and off from school for the summer. Mimi created daily outings for us. My favorite was riding the Duquesne Incline, a fast trip up a steep cliff: originally it was meant to get mine-workers to work quickly.
My next vivid memory is of spending a year living with Mimi and Abby in Muskegon, Michigan. Ken was in 7th grade, I was in 8th, and Beryl was in 9th. Mimi provided us with outings to Lake Michigan, horseback-riding, roller-skating at a rink, and many picnics. Abby put in long days and always brought work home; but we always had dinner as a family.
The next memory comes from 1977, the the year my mom passed away in NJ. I'd been spending time there, and was able to route my return trip via Houston, to meet your twins, then 7 years old -- they brought a smile back to my face. Mimi and I became very close in the five years after my mom died. Ken would drive here every year and take her up to Reno. He'd drop her at the casinos (which she loved) and spend the time at Harrah's Automobile Museum. Sadly, the good times were interrupted by her surgery for heart-valve replacement: Ken was here and we alternated in visisting the IntensiveCare Unit
while she was there. She recovered well. My next memory is that of being with you all at Abby's memorial: he was very dear to me, lived long as did his mother. He was a fine man. (He had been named after grand-dad's older brother: I found that out in the 1881 census of Birkenhead near Liverpool.) My last memory is that of your trip here to check out he Columbarium, where Grandma and Grand-dad's ashes remain. You were both so loving about my own grief over my daughters' absence from my life. Kenneth was, as always, my dearest and closest cousin. I miss him.
Love to all, Jane Radcliffe

It's a shame we did not get a chance to know each other better because in the short time that I got to know him I saw a wonderful person with a great sense of humor.

I will have to wait till I get to where he is now before that can happen. I do want to express my condolances to his children and wife Linda.

Even though I don't know your family as Blake's mother-in-law I wanted to send my condolances on your loss. I know Ken sits beside the Father and watches all of you with great Love. I look foward to meeting you sometime in the near future.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I have a biological father, but Ken, just like the Father in Heaven, was the one who was with me all the way - step by step. We grew up together, learned together and matured together so that we can have a greater understanding and respect of each other and I will be forever thankful that he was a part of my life.

As Ken moved on from his earthly body and his spirit arose from his bed, the nurse believed she felt a presence enter the room. I believe that it was PC's spirit (His cat from a long time ago, names PC for pussy cat) coming to get Ken and show him the way home. The spirit lives --- and Ken's spirit lives on in each of us.

Hey Opa, it’s Josh, I hope you can hear these words: I love you and who wouldn’t, and I promise I will be the best I can be maybe better. But most of all I hope that you will get your final wish granted and fulfilled to every extent and we all love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was privileged to be Ken’s friend for 26 years. His dry wit never failed to cheer me up. He conducted his business with honor and was one of the finest men I’ve known. I will always cherish memories of Ken.

I did alot of business with Star Motors. The reason was Ken Hodge. He was a fair, kind, wonderful person to deal with.
I will miss Ken
Respectfully
Bob stagg

I cherish the brief time we spent together early in our lives.