Robert Lewis "Bob" Hodges, 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
Bob was born in Bradford, PA to Louis B. and Estelle (Moore) Hodges on July 22, 1933. He graduated from Saint Bernard's High School in 1951. One month later he joined the US Air Force.
Bob served in many locations as an airborne radio operator. He also trained to be a B52 gunner which brought him to KI Sawyer. After 15 years in the Air Force he was discharged and stayed in the Upper Peninsula. The fishing and hunting seemed pretty attractive. He then went to work at the Empire Mine for 28 ½ years. As a welder, he worked on large equipment which he enjoyed. During that time at the mine, he joined the Army National Guard and served 17 years as an equipment mechanic and motor sergeant. Bob retired from the guard in 1989 and from the mine in 1995.
In retirement, the hunting camp became the place to be with friends. Good food, cards, sauna & the occasional four-wheeler ride.
Preceding Bob in death are his parents, two step-daughters, Yvette & Ramona and a sister, Beverly.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Leeper) Hodges of Gwinn; a son, Robert; step-children, Debbie (Steve) of Texas, Rick (Shelly) of Kentucky, Lorrie of North Carolina, Kimberly (Kelly) of Oregon and James of Missouri; 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Rita of New York.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 12 noon to 2 pm at the Little Lake Chapel. A funeral service will be held in the church at 2 pm with Rev. Ron Westman officiating. Entombment will take place in Northland Chapel Gardens Mausoleum. Military Honors will be provided by the Little Lake American Legion. Bob's service will be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/robert-hodges
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Little Lake Chapel, 1761 E. State Highway M35, Little Lake, MI 49833.
Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services are assisting Bob's family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
Steven Pellinen wrote on Jan 1, 2023:
"Very few persons have impacted my life as much as Bob. His example, patience, understanding and concern for others was a blessing to all who seen and talked to him.I considered Bob a spiritual mentor to me as well. Fifteen +years together in the 107th Engineers,I learned a lot from him.Plus having the pleasure of having to listen to him speak at church and Monday evenings at Bible study helped me in my walk with the Lord.I will always be grateful. When we'd meet he would always ask me "Steph-phen how's it going?" and ask about my family and my A Model project. I treasure those times and will pass along what I've learned from him and his love for Jesus to those I meet in the future. I will Ruth ,pray for comfort for you and your family. God bless you all. "
Scott Perry wrote on Dec 28, 2022:
"Bob was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. My condolences to Ruth and the family. Scott "Skids" Perry"
Tera Fields wrote on Dec 27, 2022:
"Ruth and family,
We send our love from Kansas! Bob was such a great, Godly man and we are so thankful for you both. We wish we could be there with you but just know you have been in our prayers.
The Fields
Mike, Tera, Landen & Ashley"
Ann Chappel wrote on Dec 24, 2022:
"Dear Bob and Ruth,
You?ve been our faithful friends since we first met in 1983, though moves, miles, and sometimes years came between us. One of the funniest memories we recall is Bob?s sense of humor whenever we came back for a visit to LSCC. Bob would take one look at Larry coming through the Sunday School door and say, ?Look what the cat dragged in!? To which Larry would reply, ?I?m looking at him!? Then we?d exchange a big chuckle, a hug or slap on the back, and refresh our friendship around God?s word. Bob, you always made us feel like there was room at the table for us. Thank you for your welcome back to the UP, God?s country, and God?s people that have known us through the years.
In more recent years, we reunited at Little Lake Chapel, the roots of Ann?s Christian upbringing and fellowship of Plymouth Brethren. It was the desire of you and Ruth to worship together under the same roof. It was also there that our fellowship grew because you invited us past the living room of your story, into the kitchen of our lives where we broke bread, shared our heartaches, pains, and also our joys of knowing Jesus, even as recently as this past summer. It was in those moments that we really saw into both you and Ruth?s lives and how committed you were to offering resources to read, while also praying and reading the Scriptures to bring times of refreshment and encouragement into our lives. What a blessing to know you and Ruth were praying for us on a daily basis many times. It is a legacy of love that only can be transmitted through passing on the discipleship of faith and God?s love to others. Bob, you will be dearly missed, but we know this earth is our temporary home. We look forward to being reunited with Christ when our time comes. Ruth, you have lost your best friend on earth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will be back to visit you, Lord willing, and pray we can throw a few shovel fulls of love and encouragement into your life like you have done ours.
In Christ, Ann and Larry Chappel"
Mike Legacy wrote on Dec 24, 2022:
"RIP Pappa Smurf, Bob & I were partners at Empire for several years, he taught me many things about welding and many of other things in life. My life is better now that he helped me along my way! Sorry for your lost Ruth and family!"
Joel Jarvi wrote on Dec 24, 2022:
"One day Bob said I remember you Joel Jarvi. Every time we met we would say I remember you. SO HERE GOES. BOB I REMEMBER YOU."
Tracy Magnant wrote on Dec 23, 2022:
"Ruth, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts through this hard time. It was a always a pleasure to see Bob at the Credit union. Please know we are all thinking of you. "
David Adler wrote on Dec 23, 2022:
"Bob was a true example of a gentle-man, a genuine friend and an exemplary Christian. Always there to help and serve others whether those in prison or someone needing a welding job. ?Papa Smurf? memory will always be carried in my heart. Well done good and faithful servant. Rest in the peace of your Savior.
David Adler"
Jesse Zambon wrote on Dec 22, 2022:
"Ruth and family. Bob and I only knew each other for a few years on this earth but what a man. I shared quite a few lunches and breakfasts with Bob and he was a great mentor. My girls will always remember the hugs they received from him at LSCC. I?m certain he was welcomed with open arms and is going to have a wonderful Christmas in heaven. He touched so many people in the short time I knew him. Prayers to you all. God Bless. "
Carol Clement wrote on Dec 22, 2022:
"Dear sweet Ruth Please know how loved you are. Bob was a wonderful man and I always looked forward to spending time with you guys. I only wish it had been more frequent! If you need anything, I am only a phone call away! Holding you and your family in my heart and praying for peace and comfort for you all. Know that he will always be with you all and he can now be promoted to guardian angel... which is rather fitting for such a terrific and loving man!"