Jeffrey Dale Hodge, affectionately called Dale, was born on July 8, 1940 in Brownfield, Illinois to the late Pearline and George Hodge. He was one of seven siblings and was preceded in death by EJ Hodge (brother), Jim Hodge (brother), Roger Hodge (brother) and Syretha P. Mitchell (sister).

Dale was educated in the Galesburg Illinois School District for elementary school and attended high school in Davenport, Iowa. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age. On Saturday, November 3, 2012 he went to be with the Lord, making the transition into eternal rest at age 72.

He lived life with a mantra of fairness and honesty, and above all else he was a true gentleman. He was handsome with a smile that would melt you heart, and he was confident and meticulous in his appearance and in the way he lived this life. There was a presence about him; you could “feel” him walk into a room without him ever speaking a word.

Dale was a steel giant, but had a heart of gold. He was a loving, caring, loyal husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many. His smile will be missed and remembered by all who knew him every day forward.

Dale is survived by his wife, Jewel Hodge; a sister, Rose Davis; brother, Roy Eugene Hodge (Cynthia Hodge); daughter, Tracy; two grandchildren, Jessica and Ira; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Services were held November 12 at Emmanuel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Minneapolis. Internment at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis.