Floyd E. Hodge, Sr.

Floyd Hodge, Sr. age 90, of Belgrade, and formerly of Brooten, died on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Belgrade Nursing Home. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 5th, at Union Cemetery, rural Brooten, with Pastor Rick Krasky officiating. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Brooten.

Floyd Earl Hodge was born on April 25, 1930 in Booker, FL. He was the first of three children born to parents Will L. and Pearlie Mae (Johnson) Hodge. He grew up on a farm near Booker and attended school there. At age 18, he moved to DeLeon Springs, FL. He served in the U.S. Army and worked in the orange groves of Florida and as a Beekeeper.

Floyd was united in marriage to Gladys Barnes and that marriage was blessed with two children, Carolyn and Howard. The two eventually divorced and Floyd later married Florence French, with whom he shared four children, two sons, Floyd Jr. and Kelly, and two daughters, Debi and Myra. Floyd and Florence also later divorced.

Floyd’s work as a beekeeper brought him to Minnesota. He enjoyed the time he spent there and in 1972 he purchased a farm near the town of Brooten, in Pope County. There he farmed and kept bees. In the early 1980’s he met Grace Henry of Florida. The two spent many happy years together and were long time companions until Grace’s death in 2013.

After moving to Brooten, Floyd learned to fly. He enjoyed it immensely and it became his favorite hobby. He built himself an ultralight airplane that he enjoyed using. Despite being known for his bad landings, he was never seriously injured and he continued piloting his plane well into his 80’s.

With his health deteriorating, Floyd became a resident at the Belgrade Nursing Home in June of 2017. During his time there he very much enjoyed the friendship of the staff and other residents.  Floyd passed away on January 23, 2021 from end-stage colon cancer. His family is very grateful for the wonderful care Floyd received during his time at the Belgrade Nursing Home and in his last days, from Moments Hospice.

Floyd is survived by his children, Carolyn Lair of Paris, MO, Debi Schistle of Lake City, FL, Myra (Bruce) Hanna of De Leon Springs, FL, and Floyd (Deanna) Hodge, Jr. of Starbuck, MN; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; special friends Cindy Morrison and Vicki Freese, both of Brooten; along with other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Pearlie Mae; his son, Kelly Hodge in 1994, and his son Howard Hodge in 2001; his longtime companion, Grace Henry in 2013; an infant granddaughter, Amy Mae; a brother, Walden Hodge; and a sister, Eloise Hodge.

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