Lodge, William James

William James Lodge, 84, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, at West Ridge Care Center. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug, 24, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Dr. Leonard Ranson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at 2 p.m. Burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery will follow the service.

William was born Aug. 18, 1928, the son of James and Violet Lodge. Bill grew up in Mount Vernon and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1946. He attended and graduated from Cedar Rapids Business College.

Bill married Miriam Lindner on May 18, 1952 in Mount Vernon and they spent their married life in Cedar Rapids. Bill worked as an accountant at Penick and Ford, retiring in 1988.

Sports were Bill's passion and he instilled his love of sports in his daughters. He enjoyed golfing, playing softball, bowling, coaching and talking sports. Bill was a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs. He loved to travel with Miriam, following the Hawkeyes to bowl games and cruising in the Caribbean. He was an avid reader and bird watcher and always had a dog at his side.

Bill cherished his time with family, relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed, but he left us with many fond memories that we will treasure in our hearts.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Miriam; and daughters, Barbara Stary and Melody Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Bradley Stary.

Bill's family would like to thank Silver Pines, West Ridge Care Center and St. Luke's Hospice for the care and support they gave him.

Memorials may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City or to the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Published in The Gazette Aug. 22, 2012.