Walter M. “Butch” Hodge, 83, of Dubuque, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center.

Butch’s family will host a celebration gathering from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, at The Lodge at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club, where Butch was a life-long member and avid golfer. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. Private burial will be at Linwood Cemetery.

Butch was born September 27, 1941 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Walter J. and Marjorie (Marsden) Hodge. He married Beverly Rae Smith on June 2, 1962. She preceded him in death on January 13, 2004.

As the second-generation owner of HODGE, Butch led the company from 1978 to 2003, guiding it from a modest beginning with just ten team members and laying the foundation for growth.

HODGE was founded in 1958 by Butch’s father, Walter J., and it saw tremendous growth under the leadership of Butch and his late wife, Bev. Their commitment to putting employees first and supporting the community – through both good times and challenging ones – left an indelible mark.  This legacy of philanthropy is one that Butch instilled in his three sons, who have, in turn, passed it on to the fourth generation. Butch’s leadership was characterized by an eagerness to grow and evolve the business. Under his guidance and in collaboration with his sons Tim and Mike, HODGE not only supported Dubuque Pack but also became a key supplier for John Deere.

Reflecting on Butch’s leadership, long-time team member Ding Bell recalls, “Butch was pretty laid back, but he always wanted to get the work done. He was a good listener and treated people fairly. He was great to work with.”

Butch also saw potential where others might not have. His ability to connect with people, whether during a game of golf or in the warehouse, built lasting relationships.

Butch is survived by his partner of 18 years, Karen Jertson and her family; three sons, Tim (Connie) Hodge, Mike (Annette Hall) Hodge, all of Dubuque, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Matt (Karee) Hodge, of Eldridge, IA; his grandchildren, Zach (Laura) Hodge, Jordan (Michael) Fullan, Lucas Hodge, Jacob (Hannah Kilburg) Hodge, Katelyn (Mitchel) McDermott, Grant Hodge, and Anna Hodge; his great grandchildren (who referred to him as “Grandpa the Great”), Oliver and Eben Hodge, and Maverick and Finley Fullan; and his sister, Rita Hodge, of Dubuque.

In addition to his wife, Butch was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Suzanne O’Brien; and his brother, Steve Hodge.

Butch’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at MercyOne and Medical Associates for their care of Butch.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to the Beverly R. Hodge Fund for Dubuque Public Schools (CLICK HERE or linked in his obituary on the funeral home website).

Butch taught his sons to play by three rules: 1. Tuck In Your Shirt, 2. Play Fast,  3. Count ‘Em All.