If there was ever a "man about town," it had to be Gene Dodge. It is hard to believe one person could achieve so much life in one lifetime. As an area pastor said, "What will you remember and think of when you view the deceased in their coffin?" In other words, what do you leave behind? What will people think of you and why?
Gene was a good example of what an ordinary citizen can do to be exceptional person. It wasn’t just the many things he did but the manner in which he approached them. He was honest, organized, and exhibited a calm exterior that could be the envy of anyone who knew him. And, he did it so quietly and matter of factly. There was no beating his chest or drums to announce, "I did it," though he had every right to do so.
Gene wore many hats and filled many pairs of shoes after he graduated from New Richland High School. He went on to serve his country as a United States Army Air Corpsman. Upon his return home, he worked at the local hardware store.
He later went on to become owner of the hardware store and became a member of the local Commercial Club. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 23 years. He was also a funeral assistant, served on his church council, and was a Sunday School superintendent.
Many may also remember him as a strong supporter of athletic events. He also served as the time clock manager for high school basketball games for many years. Even after his own kids and grandchildren were through with sports, he continued to attend the school games as New Richland's No. 1 sports fan.
He and his wife, Sylvia, were honored as Grand Marshals of the New Richland Farm & City Days parade. For 63 years, he was an important member of the New Richland American Legion, and he served on the local fire department.
One wonders how Gene managed to do it all, but he did and he did it favorably. He also still found time for his family, which was the most important thing in his life.
Gene left a strong and beautiful family that he and Sylvia raised together — in the manner they were raised. He would give honor to his wife of 70 years because they seemed to be two people who worked and lived as one.
Home was important and people were important to Gene. God, service and family were highlights of his life. He left a legacy of love and giving that is never ending.
To the children, the grandchildren, and great grandchildren, there is something there to live up to. A distinguished male figure with good morals and sensibility does so much to influence how children grow. Without a model, they must seek out others who may fall short of that characteristic. Great dads make that a difference (just like good mothers). Kids want to be good and respond to positive modeling of character.
It is sad to think of families losing their dad just before Father's Day, but it should also be a reminder to others there is a special day set aside to give proper honor to one's father and to appreciate that fact. However, it should in no way interfere with daily appreciation of what some people still have and others have only in memory.
Telling your dad how you feel is good. It doesn't matter if they are long distance or who it really benefits most. It is important for you to know what it means in your life.
Dads should be aware that things they say and do to a child are like a branding iron, or an endless tape recorder in their minds. Dads should treat their children, and grandchildren, etc. with respect and never even hint of some careless, negative word that might be used to describe their child.
Once said, a careless reference is like a "zit" that never goes away. It pops up, always at inappropriate times, and undermines the child’s true value. Dads often have high expectations, especially of their male children, to be "all that he wanted to be" and probably didn't achieve.
Happy children are valued for what they are and it shows in their conduct and achievement. They pick up on negativity like second-hand smoke.
When Gene’s great grandchildren were singing, "Jesus Loves Me," at his funeral service, you knew they were not just singing a song. You could tell they knew that yes, Jesus loves them, and Great Grandpa Gene did too!
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, June 20th: Adelyn Grace Quaintance, Jean Ahlstrom, Kari Vanden Heuvel, Christopher Wayne, Patti (Stadheim) Bell, Chris Jensen, Alan Schmidt, Dianne Jensen, Madison Renae DenHerder, Lenard & Everal Lageson, Mike & Kirra Hanson and Rick & Karla Kelly .
• Friday, June 21st: Shirley & Greg Tennant, Dorothy Kilian, Terry Van Kampen, Robyn Schmidt Beckler, Harmony Mattson Anderson, Greg Ramaker, Jay Ditlevson, Teri Jahnke and Haley Katherine Meiners.
• Saturday, June 22nd: Jessie Cleven, Marilyne Donahue, Travis Broskoff, Bruce Hunter, Barbara Haberman, Cheryl Peterson, Becca Schei, Mark & Sharon Sorenson, Chris & Linda (Harding) Newgard and Dale & Suzanne Boverhuis Jr.
• Sunday, June 23rd: Ralph & Alyce Randall, Carlie (Thompson) & Joseph Sevcik, Greg Bartsch, Ann Farr, Amanda Wacek, Rhonda Reichl, and Rebecca Schei.
• Monday, June 24th: Rhyan Rebea Fritz, LuAnn Hanson, Gordon Hanson, Joel Butler, Andy Sommers, Mary Harty, Sheryl Berg, Rick A. Miller, Julie (Krieg) & Brian Hove, Valerie (Tobiason) & Scott Quiring, Stephanie (Morris) & Brad Hendrickson, Jennifer (Pence) & Juan Ortega, and Danielle (Cook) & Travis Johnson.
• Tuesday, June 25th: Paul & Deb Wallace, Brad & Jannell Tufte, David & Lori Lembke, James & Mardelyn Thompson, Boyd & Jeanene Reese, Brady Nelson, Rachel Lerum, Michael Bell, Hugh O'Byrne, Brady Nelson Heimer, Marilyn Nelson, Boyd Reese and Steve Lunning.
• Wednesday, June 26th: Michelle Marie & Marissa Ann Leeman, Brock Nelson, Tony Muri, Richard Holmes, Michelle Davidson, Tiffany Olson, Ray Jepson, Pennie Ladlie, Tristan & Michael Ingvaldson, Chuck & Ann Southworth and Tom & Wilma Arbogast.
With each passing year, grow stronger, grow wiser, and grow richer in spirit. May the year be filled with new discoveries.
