116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Hodgden, Delbert Floyd
Delbert Floyd Hodgden, 73, of Oxford Junction, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City from complications of cancer. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oxford Junction. Family and friends may call today from 3 to 7 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Oxford Junction, where a vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction.
Delbert Floyd Hodgden was born in Clarence, Iowa, on May 22, 1936, to Floyd and Emma (Otte) Hodgden. Delbert married Carol Murray on June 4, 1956, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oxford Junction. For many years, Delbert and Carol farmed south of Oxford Junction. Upon retiring they traveled extensively, eventually deciding to winter under
the warm Texas sun each year.
Delbert's family and friends enjoyed his gift of storytelling and his keen sense of humor.
He and Carol enjoyed gardening and Delbert had an extensive collection of hostas. Each year they would host many guests for their annual garden walk. Delbert loved history and genealogy, often serving as the unofficial historian for anyone who needed information. He was a member of the Jones County Historical Society, served on the Oxford Junction Library Board and was instrumental in founding the Oxford Junction Heritage Museum. Always active in the community, Delbert served several years as a 4-H leader. Delbert loved music and enjoyed playing saxophone with the Oxford Junction Polka Band for many years. He continued his love of music into the future by purchasing the first musical instrument for each grandchild.
Delbert is survived by his wife, Carol; and his three children, David (Lorri) Hodgden of Oxford, Denise (Ken) Maier of Shellsburg and Julie (Tim) White of Ottumwa. Delbert is also survived by his sister, Diane (Denny) VonSprecken of Oxford Junction; grandchildren, Brandon and Ryan Maier, Ben Hodgden and Allison and Bethany Canaday; stepgrandchildren, Cliff, Jennette and Abbey Maier and Amanda White; and five stepgreat grandchildren.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandchild, Ian Canaday.
Online condolences may be left for the family at
Daily Newsletters