Calling(s)

Monday, May 02, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel

Tuesday, May 03, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Zion Lutheran Church, 0389 CR 12, Corunna, Indiana

Service

Tuesday, May 03, 10:00 AM Zion Lutheran Church, 0389 CR 12, Corunna, Indiana

Obituary

Howard L. Hodge, 77, of South Milford died unexpectedly Friday, April 29, 2016, at his residence.

He was a lifetime area resident and a 1957 graduate of Kendallville High School.

He was a farmer and had worked as sales coordinator for Starcraft RV in Topeka. He then worked in the maintenance department of McCray Memorial Hospital in Kendallville and retired from Parkview Noble Hospital.

Howard served on the South Milford Fire Department for 59 years. He was a life member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter's Association, a member of the Noble County Gas and Steam Club, served on the Apple Festival of Kendallville committee, a former charter member of the South Milford Lions Club, a former charter member of the Auburn Farm Power Club, and served as the Milford Township 4-H leader for 20 years. He was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church, West Fairfield where he had served on the church council and as Vice President of the church and was a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League.

Howard enjoyed playing Santa Claus, fishing, playing cards, mushroom hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was born January 8, 1939, in Noble County to George and Marcella (Bidwell) Hodge. They preceded him in death.

On June 1, 1958, in Zion Lutheran Church, West Fairfield he married Sandra K. Hasselman. She survives in South Milford.

Also surviving are a son, Steve (Karen) Hodge of South Milford; a brother, Jim (Carol Pfeiffer) Hodge of Wolcottville; a sister, Barb (Doug) Fennell of Howe; three grandchildren, Melissa (Jonathan) Althoff of Decker, Brian (Jaimie) Hodge of South Milford, and Joseph (Abby Cocanougher) Hodge of Louisville, Kentucky; four great-grandchildren, Jayna Althoff, Ethan Althoff, Brantlyn Hodge, and Case Hodge.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at 10 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, West Fairfield, 0389 CR 12, Corunna with the Rev. Stephen Koziol officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Wolcottville.

Honorary pallbearers are his nieces, Jamie Fennell, Nicole Gisel, Amanda Becker, and Beth Mosley. Active pallbearers are his nephews, Kevin Hodge, Klent Hodge, Brock Hodge, Mark Fennell, Matt Hasselman, Dan Hasselman, and Adam Young.

Calling is Monday, May 2, 2016, from 2 to 8 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.

Preferred memorials are to the Noble County Gas and Steam Club or to the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aide.

View a video tribute after Monday or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com