Neal L. Dodge

Neal L. Dodge, 85 of Kearney, NE, formerly of Jamestown, ND, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at his residence.

Neal was born March 9, 1927 in Edmunds, ND to Norman and Ella (Mae) Dodge. He married Darlyne Schrade on December 29, 1945. He was a parachutist in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. He was discharged in 1946. Neal and Darlyne moved to Longview, WA where he worked in a paper mill. Because of an injury, he returned to North Dakota and attended Molar Barber College in Fargo, ND. He owned Dodge's Barber shop for many years in Jamestown, ND. He was president of the North Dakota Barber's Association and a member of the American Legion Post #14 and the Drum and Bugle Corp. After a life changing experience, Neal gave his life to Jesus Christ, and became an officer in the Salvation Army. He and his wife served in Aberdeen, SD, Lincoln, NE, Kansas City, MO and Wichita, KS. He returned to Jamestown and then moved to Kearney, NE. Neal's passions in life were to live for God, serve his country, and love his family. He enjoyed many special times with his grandchildren and 3 great-granddaughters. Neal enjoyed fishing, reading, NY Yankees and being a friend to all. He attended New Life Assembly.

Survivors include his wife, Darlyne Dodge of Kearney; daughter, Connie Lester and husband, Clarence of Kearney; granddaughter, Carina Bennison and husband, Josh of Helena, MT; grandson, Chad Lester of Kearney; great granddaughters, Carina, Alexis and Ava.

Neal is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lynda Dodge; sister, Beverly Wanamaker and brothers, Norman and Lyle Dodge.