Weldy Hodge

Weldy Hodge died Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 89.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo.

A walk through visitation will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 from 2-4:00 PM at the Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home. Masks and social distancing will be required for the visitation and funeral.

Weldon Dean Hodge was born in Montevideo, Minnesota on January 14, 1931 to William and Stella (Schultz) Hodge.  He attended and graduated from Montevideo Senior High School in 1948.  He entered the United States Navy in 1949 and served his country.  After his military duty he returned to Montevideo and drove truck for Swift and Company.  He started his law enforcement career as a police officer in Clarkfield, Minnesota. Weldy then served as a sergeant in the Montevideo Police Department until his retirement in 1986.  He was called back 10 years later to act as Police Chief until they could a hire a new chief.  He married Deanna Witte in Watertown, SD on January 18, 1975.

Weldy loved the outdoors and looked forward to hunting trips out west.  He also enjoyed fishing and trapping.  Weldy could build anything he put his mind to, he was an excellent woodworker and even built a log cabin.

Weldy is survived by his wife, Deanna; children: Carmen (Mark) Weckwerth, Montevideo, Rex (Linda) Hodge, Montevideo, Tami (Jim) Bittner, Montevideo, Jan (Jim) Bothun, Watson, Jodi (Troy)Blankenhagen, Clinton, Jill (friend Carter Lokken) German, Watson; grandchildren: Rita (Doug) Bahr, Cealy (Andy) Eckberg, Heather Zylka, Josh (Cassie) Weckwerth, Ryan (friend Brittney) Hodge, Sarah Botkin, Kimberly Botkin, Zach (Bree) Bothun, Kyle (Jenny) Blankenhagen, Derek Blankenhagen, Dustin (friend Alexis) German, Dylan German, Samantha  ( friend Dancer) German; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gerry (Phil) Aamot; three granddaughters: Megan Bothun, Patricia Dee German and Amber Bothun.