Hugh F. Dodge's Obituary
Mr. Hugh F. Dodge of Grand Haven, MI passed away January 13, 2018. He was born on May 23rd, 1930 to Hugh S. and Bessie Dodge. Mr. Dodge served his Country by playing the trumpet in the Navy during the Korean War. He entertained the troops as well as officers on the USS Franklin D Roosevelt aircraft carrier and traveled throughout the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Sixth Fleet. He carried his love for music and being entertaining throughout life. Hugh always had a song for every occasion, a funny story, or an inappropriate joke that he was quick to share.
Mr. Dodge was a well know interior designer having worked at Klingman’s Furniture of Grand Rapids for many years and then Reenders, Inc. a Grand Haven based builder and developer. He had an eye for beautiful things, collecting art and antiquities his entire life. Before his retirement in 1998, Mr. Dodge owned and operated his own interior design firm in Grand Haven. After retiring Hugh took up painting and was talented in various styles of painting. Hugh won many awards in Florida and Michigan for his watercolors. After having a residence in Grand Rapids for 72 years he moved to Grand Haven in 2002. Since 2001 he spent his summers in Michigan and his winters in Gulfport, Florida.
He is survived by a much-loved adopted family, Scott and Julie Reenders and their children, Lauren, Claire and Collin of Grand Haven, MI. Mr. Dodge has several cousins in various parts of the state. Close personal friends, Howard and Barb Reenders of Grand Haven, and Gary Alpers, Jeanne Sarkis, Loretta and Ken Vanderwiel, Bonnie and Bob Bolduc all of Gulfport, Florida. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard and his parents.
The family and friends of Hugh would like to thank the staff from Grand Pines Assisted Living and Hospice of North Ottawa Community. The care and commitment that you exhibited as you wrapped your loving arms around Hugh during his short stay at Grand Pines is much admired and appreciated.
A private memorial service will be held in the future. Any memorials can be made in Hugh’s name to Hospice of North Ottawa Community or to your local Hospice Organization. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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