Russell Hodge

Nov. 29, 1946-May 10, 2008


Russell Hodge, 61, Minot, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008, in his home.

Russell Lee Hodge was born Nov. 29, 1946, the son of Ben and Elsie (Weinrich) Hodge, in Minot. He was raised in Minot and attended St. Leo’s School. He graduated from Bishop Ryan High School in 1965. He then attended the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton for plumbing and pipefitting.

Russell married Nancy Olsen June 9, 1973, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot. From this union two sons were born: Chad and Gary. Together they owned and operated Ben’s Tavern, which they purchased from Russell’s parents. Russell worked for Minot Plumbing for 16 years. He had also worked for Mowbray & Sons Plumbing Co., Wrigley Mechanical and finally ICI, where he worked until his retirement in 2006.

He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #300 for 39 years. He was also a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot.

He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed visiting his friends at Ben’s.

Surviving family includes: wife of 34 years, Nancy, Minot; sons, Chad Hodge, Biloxi, Miss., and Gary Hodge, Minot; granddaughter, Chelsea Hodge; mother, Elsie Hodge, Mandan; sisters, Carol (Carmen) Wold, Burlington, Connie (Jim) Skarhus, Minot, and Debra (Don) Tofteland, Mandan; brother, Gary (Laurel) Hodge, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; nieces and nephews, Mike (Sue) Young, Jerry Young, Tracy (Tanya) Tofteland, Troy (Bari) Tofteland, Christine Hodge, Ben Hodge, Ryan (Nettie) Skarhus, Ron Skarhus and Heather (Bryce) Oakes.

Russell was preceded in death by his father, Ben Hodge.

Funeral: Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 1 p.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Today, May 13, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil prayer service: Today at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).