Laverne "Rocky" T. Dodge, 78, passed away peacefully at Dove Healthcare and Rehabilitation on May 23, 2006, surrounded by his family. \r\nVern was born to Thomas and Myrtle Dodge on April 21, 1928. He was one of seven children; Florence, Betty, Margaret, Ervin, Elmer, and Bill. He grew up in the Eau Claire area. \r\nWhile working at the Omaha Depot in Eau Claire he met Grace Edgington who worked at the Sparley Café. They fell in love and were married on May 10, 1946, at the First Baptist Church in Eau Claire. They had three children, Dennis, Jack, and Diane. Vern worked as a welder at Phoenix Steel for 35 years and retired in 1992.\r\nVern enjoyed hunting, especially elk hunting, fishing for walleyes at the rock pile, trapping, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.\r\nVern is survived by his wife of 60 years, Grace; two sons, Dennis (Gayle) of Ellsworth, Jack (Mary) of Elk Lake, and daughter, Diane (Brian) Brunelle of Washburn, WI; six grandchildren, Nathan, Ali, Jacob, and Molly Dodge, Melissa and Karly Fordahl; five great grandchildren, Elianna, Abbie, Olivia, Amelia and Valentine Dodge; brother, Bill (Ann) Dodge of Hill City, SD; and Pretty Boy - his most amazing bird. He is also survived by his wonderful niece, Grace Johnson and her husband Duane, whose love, concern, and kindness upheld Grace and Vern throughout his illness. \r\nVern was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Elmer and Ervin; and three sisters, Florence Zurbuchen, Betty Gross, and Margaret Dressel.\r\nA most sincere thanks to Dr. Steve Weiss, his nurse Nancy Jevne, and all the staff at the Dove Healthcare&Rehabilitation - 2nd floor for their caring and kindness during his short stay. \r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2006, at Lake St. United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. E. Doyle Blanton officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Service Information