Joann Ruth Dodge

JoAnn Dodge passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2016, at Agrace Hospice in Madison. She was born July 21, 1935 in rural Pittsville, Wood County, Wisconsin, and graduated from Marshfield High School in May 1953. Beginning with her own grandparents, JoAnn had a lifelong need to provide care and comfort for those around her. She received her LPN certification from Madison Area Technical College in 1954 and began her nursing career at Divine Savior Hospital, Portage. She took a respite to raise her family. She continued her career in 1966, working at Divine Savior Hospital, Columbia County Home Care, and Columbia County Manor, Wyocena, where she retired in 1998 with 25 years of service. She married John W. Dodge of Cambria in September 1956, thereafter residing at the Willard Dodge Homestead in Springvale Township, Columbia County. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Alma (Goehring) Brooks and siblings Betty Lou Rhein and LaVerne. She is survived by her husband John, sister Gayle (Mel) Spencer and brothers Eugene (Shirley) Brooks and Ben (Peggy) Brooks, her sons Larry (Joanne) and John Charles, grandsons Brian (Kami) and Eric (Ashley), and great-grandchildren Evelyn and John Joseph. The family wishes to thank the care staff at Columbia County Manor, Unity Point Meriter Hospital, and Agrace Hospice Center for their treatment and care. A funeral service in celebration of JoAnn's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Pardeeville, with the Rev. Chuck Walton officiating. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the hour of service Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Presbyterian Youth Ministry.