Jeanette S. Hodge
Jeanette (Jean) S. Hodge, age 82, of Kewaskum passed away with her husband by her side Wednesday evening, December 16, 2020 following a courageous battle with Covid-19 and its long-term effects.
Jean was born in Negaunee, MI on June 5, 1938. She was the eldest child of Ensio and Ruth (Wirtanen) Salo of Negaunee. After graduation in 1956 from Negaunee High School, Jean continued her education at the Green Bay Business School. Jean went on to work for the US Naval Department in Washington DC for two years. Jean worked for the West Bend Company as a secretary in the Industrial Engineering Department. In 1970 Jean started working for the West Bend School District at Silverbrook School, first as a Teachers Aid, then as the Guidance Secretary and then as the School Secretary until her retirement in 2001. After her retirement, Jean and Jim volunteered with U.S. Mission America Placement Service (U.S. MAPS) as RV volunteers. They worked on projects in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, North Dakota, Arizona and Wisconsin before settling down again in Wisconsin.
Jean was a talented seamstress, quilter, crochetier, and violinist. Jean enjoyed camping and traveling, sharing these adventures with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. What Jean most enjoyed was spending time with her family.
On June 22, 1957 Jean married her High School sweetheart James (Jim) Hodge Sr.
Jean is survived by her children; Cheryl (Tom) Lighthart, Cindy Ratzel, and James (Jim) Jr. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Benjamin O’Leary, Kelly (Jared) Olson, Jonathan (Tina) Ratzel, Sara (Adam) Baumhardt, Matthew (Paula) Ratzel, Theresa (Jerad) Herther, Rebecca (Matthew) Kirst and Kyle (Alexis) Hodge; and 15 great-grandchildren, Devin, Ashley, Nico, Jordyn, Gage, Harper, Liam, Camron, Katie, Savannah, Payden, Amelia, Carter, Chloe, Amber and one on the way. Jean is survived by her sister Millie Isaacson and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Proceeding her in death was granddaughter Jamie O’Leary, her parents, brothers Ernie and Gilbert Salo, parents-in-law Thomas (Benjamin) and Jean Hodge Sr., sister-in-law Shirley Bloom and brothers-in-law Thomas Hodge Jr., Douglas Bloom and Ronald Isaacson.
In leu of flowers, please direct memorials to either U.S. MAPS via mail to Assemblies of God, 1445 N. Boonville Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65802, via the Assemblies of God website at https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/700001-525877, please note AGUSM MAPS in the Comments section or to Spencer Lake Christian Center, N1385 County Hwy E, Waupaca, WI 54981.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 9 at Calvary Church, 1110 E. Decorah Rd. West Bend, WI 53095.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the service starting at 2, immediately followed by a light meal.
