Marvin Dodd

MARVIN DODD

Ladora

Marvin L. Dodd, 84, of Ladora, died Thursday, March 5, 2015, at his home in Ladora. At Marvin's request, there will be no service. Inurnment will be at the Marengo Cemetery at a later date with the Smith Funeral Home of Victor in charge of arrangements.

Marvin was born on Oct. 26, 1930, in Grinnell, Iowa. He was the son and only child of Grover and Mary Ann (Gould) Dodd. He never married.

Marvin grew up on the Dodd farm in Honey Creek Township, Iowa County, near Ladora. As a young man, he worked with his dad and uncles, "Newt" and "Gene," doing the various farm work. He learned carpentry and mechanical skills from the elder family members who were talented musicians, playing the bass fiddle, cello and viola for evening entertainment at the old house on the Dodd farm.

Marvin graduated from Carson High School in Marengo in 1948. He worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids for many years as an assemblyman and trainer while continuing to work the farm. He would help care for the aging family at the farm home until one by one they passed away. The last to go was Uncle Gene's wife, Aunt Jenny, in 1996. From then on Marvin lived alone.

Upon retiring, Marvin spent much of his time doing his own mechanical maintenance work and practicing his skills as a wood carver, showing neighborhood children his projects.

He liked to see pheasants on his land and planted cover and a food plot area on the farm for several years. He allowed cousins and friends to enjoy many a fine fall day hunting the rolling lands of the Dodd farm.

Marvin continued caring for himself until he too passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015. The end of the old Dodd family, alone, but at the farm, his home, where he wanted to be.

Marvin Dodd was a quiet man of whom it is said - "Never a bad word was spoken."

The decedents of the Dodd/Gould family bid you farewell Marvin and may God rest with your soul.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithfh.com.