Robert Donald Hodge

Robert Donald Hodge passed away quietly on November 2, 2018, at the end of a long and happy life at 97. He is survived by his three daughters: Bobbie Hodge, of Ely, Minnesota, Vicki Hodge Tomascak (Walt) of Missoula, Montana and Becky Hodge Wahlberg (Darin Peterson), of Aurora, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Andrew Tomascak, Amara Wahlberg Chesson (Zak), Cory Tomascak (Kathleen), and Nikki Wahlberg Ibis (Luke); and three great grandchildren: Sajan Chesson, Walter James Tomascak, and Penelope Ann Tomascak. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marion Gail Hodge Higgins, and his beloved wife of 62 years, Gerrie.
Bob was the firstborn child of Frederick Charles Hodge and Anna Helena Peterson Hodge, born October 21, 1921, near Chisholm, Minnesota. He grew up with a love of hunting, trapping, fishing, gardening and raising many animals.
After saving enough money, Bob was able to convince his father to let him take flying lessons. He earned his pilot’s license at 16 and by 19 had his instructors rating. He attended Chisholm High School and Hibbing Junior College. Prior to WWII, Bob instructed new pilots for the army and navy. In WWII, he served as an officer in the Army Air Corps, being stationed in the South Pacific theater.
Bob flew supply transport planes, ferrying supplies, battle wounded and USO troops throughout the South Pacific, from the Philippines to New Guinea. His incredible eyesight, keen sense of direction, and quick thinking supplemented the primitive radio and flight technology to see him safely through. He was 22 years old.
During a trip back to the States, he attended an Officers Dance with some of his friends, when he was spotted by a pretty teen named Geraldine McCullough. She quickly decided he was her one and only. They shared a birthday in common and chose to marry in 1945, as close to that date as they could. When Bob was discharged from the Army, he joined with two friends to manage the Virginia, Minnesota, airport, run an aerial mail route, and teach flying lessons and provided day fly in fishing trips. In 1949, Bob was recruited as one of three pilots in the Minnesota Conservation Department and moved he and his family to Ely. His profession was a perfect blending of his passions as pilot, hunter, fisherman, and wildlife observer. He was always eager to share information with anyone with an interest in wildlife, influencing politicians, celebrities, and scientists. Everyone walked away excited and as passionate as he was. He was written up in National Geographic, the Voyageur magazine, Look magazine, many newspapers, and even a Dell comic book. He was featured on radio and television and approached each with easy charm and confidence. Every youngster wanted his job when they grew up! He completed his career as the Assistant Director of the Law Enforcement division of the DNR at the MN state capital.
Bob and Gerrie were known for their generosity and friendship wherever they lived. They loved their winter retirement in LaQuinta, California, and entertaining their friends and family with golf, football, card and pool parties.
They equally enjoyed their summer retirement at Winton, Minnesota, on Fall Lake, fishing and touring friends and relatives on their pontoon boat. They loved their couples golfing group. Bob enthusiastically attended long after he could no longer golf. Bob always had a story or joke and no one was a stranger.
His many quiet kindnesses were felt by many and will be greatly missed. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, an historian, a mentor, financial advisor, and friend.
Bob was a past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, a life member of the American Legion, a Veteran of Foreign Wars, and an Elder and member of the Presbyterian Church.
Bob’s Celebration of Life service will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Ely, Minnesota, on Wednesday, November 21, at 11:00 am.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.
 
 

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