Norman G Dodson

Norman Gifford Dodson, 97, of Sunnybrook in Fort Madison, passed away on March 21, 2020 at 4:09 pm at Sunnybrook. Norman was born December 1, 1922, in Beatrice, Nebraska. He was the first of seven sons born to Lamon Grant Dodson and Mazzila May Gifford Dodson of Venango, Nebraska.

He graduated from Venango High in 1940. He went on the University of Nebraska and studied engineering. During his time there, he joined the military engineer officers training and was sent to Saipan Island as part of a small group of engineers to help establish the many facilities set up on the south end of the island. He then returned and graduated from the University of Nebraska. He was in the Army reserves until he retired in 1965 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Norman was united in marriage to June Rose Lauritsen the day before he was shipped out to train and then be deployed to Saipan in WWII. He also trained engineers during the Korean War. He worked at many different companies over the years; Maytag Co. in Newton, Iowa, Hughes Aircraft Company in Tucson, Arizona, EECO Electronics in Santa Ana, California, to finally working for Sheaffer-Eaton Pen in Fort Madison, Iowa. He retired from Sheaffer in June 1985 after 14 years as Manager of Product Development. He taught the adult Sunday school class at Santa Fe United Methodist Church in Fort Madison. He later taught it at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk. Norman was married to June Rose Lauritsen from December 31, 1943 until her passing on March 29, 1984. He later married Carolyn L. (McKay) Ragar of Keokuk on January 5, 1985. She passed away on February 1, 2014. Norman loved bowling, golfing, fishing and was a lifetime Huskers Football Fan.

Norman is survived by his brother; Larry (Marlys) Dodson of Highland Ranch, CO, two children; Cheryl (Steve) Welton of Sikeston, MO, Norman Roy (Charlotte) Dodson of Fort Madison, IA, six step-children; Jill (Chuck) Smalley of Cordova, IL, Diane (Mike) Anderson of Keokuk, IA, Jay (Lynn) Ragar of Stronghurst, IL, Bruce (Kathy) Ragar of Keokuk, IA, Scott (Laurie) Ragar of Keokuk, and Robert (Kandy) Ragar of Fairbanks, AK, and sister-in-law; Bobbie Dodson of Wynot, ND, nine grandchildren, thirteen step-grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, twenty-one step great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Grant and Mazilla Dodson, five brothers and sister-in-laws; Lloyd Dodson, Lamar (Bea) Dodson, Gayle Dodson, Dean (Willadean) Dodson, and Max (Marilyn) Dodson, sister-in-law; Nadine Dodson, a nephew; Steven Dodson, and two grandsons; Brian Ragar, and R. Isaac Smalley.

Graveside service was held Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 1 pm at Fort Madison City Cemetery, 1402 Avenue H, Fort Madison, IA with Pastor Chuck Gorsch officiating.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at a later date.

Tributes and condolences may be entered at dejongsfuneralhomes.com.