Gale W. Hodgkin, 88, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Feb. 20, 2011, at the Lodge Assisted Living facility in Carson City, with his youngest daughter Robin. Gale, the youngest of five sons, was born to the Rev. J. Mryl and Adela Mette Hodgkin on Feb. 20, 1923, in Elsie, Neb. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Jean JoAnn "Jody"; son-in-law Jerry Unrein; brothers Trux, Bernie, Dutch, and Harley; and his parents. Gale is survived by his three children: Judy ( Bellevue, Neb.), A.J. and wife Patty (San Luis Obispo, Calif.), Robin and partner J.P. "Jay" Giovacchini (Carson City); and grandchildren Michael Unrein (Bellevue, NE), Dr. Sara Unrein (Durham, NC), and Jenna Oxford Hodgkin (San Luis Obispo).
Gale counted family and friends first in his life. He had many roles in his life - husband, father, master carver, civil engineer, rose grower, and soldier. A decorated veteran, Gale served 13 years in the United States Army Air Corps/Air Force in World War II and the Korean conflict. He was particularly proud of his service in Korea with the 13th Bomb Squadron, the Devil's Own Grim Reapers (http://www.13thbombsquadron.org/). Gale was a practicing civil engineer for more than 30 years for Armco Steel Corporation (AK Steel) and raised roses commercially for 11 years. His great love - in addition to his family and friends - was his artistic practice of woodcarving. A master in wood, Gale was an imaginative and often humorous sculptor and loved to show his pieces and tell their stories. He gloried in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. It was often said, "Gale never met a stranger, just someone he had not spoken to yet." Gale, your kind eyes, friendly laugh, stories, and the inspiration of your words and actions will be missed by all who knew and loved you.
A gathering of friends to celebrate his life will be at 4 p.m. March 26, 2011, at the Lodge. All who knew Gale are welcome. Please call 882-5270 to RSVP.
