Ralph C. Dodson

Funeral Services for Ralph C. Dodson will be conducted from the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Gene Layne officiating. Following the traditional funeral, cremation will take place and a family inurnment will be held in the Union Cemetery at Hollinger, Nebraska.

Ralph Charles Dodson, 78 years of age, of Funk, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012 at his home in Funk. Ralph was born July 18, 1933 on the family farm seven miles north of Arapahoe in Gosper County, Nebraska, the sixth of eleven children of Charlie and Etta (Warner) Dodson. He received his primary education from the Harmony District School and then Holdrege Public Schools.

Following his education, Ralph served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army from June 30, 1953 until his honorable discharge on May 17, 1955. On December 26, 1953, Ralph was united in marriage to Betty Jean Payne at Hollinger. To this union four children were born: Cindy, Connie, David and Jill. Following his military service, Ralph was employed by J.R. Silver Farms north of Funk. He also operated the family farm in Furnas County as well. The family continued to reside at Funk, where Ralph enjoyed his passion of restoring old cars and tractors. Many friendship bonds were formed through the years working for customers on several restoration projects.

Through the years, Ralph and Betty enjoyed attending the Emmaus Evangelical Free Church north of Funk. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, the Eagles, and served on the Funk Telephone Board.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Betty of 58 years of Funk; three daughters: Cindy Peterson and her husband, Jay of Wilmington, Ohio, Connie Tripe and her husband, Ron of Camarillo, California, and Jill Mastera and her husband, John of New Canaan, Connecticut; six grandchildren: Emily Williford and her husband, Waylon, Alicia Tripe, Adam Peterson, Jenna Mastera and her fiancé, Matthew Davison, and Amanda and Jordan Mastera; two brothers: Jack Dodson and his wife, Mary of Emmett, Idaho, Richard "Dick" Dodson and his wife, Barb of Elwood, Nebraska; one sister, Betty Steinkruger and her husband, Leland of Franklin, Nebraska; one sister-in-law, Gerry Dodson of Loomis, Nebraska and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Dodson in 2002; two sisters: Gladys Faye at 2 years of age and Twyla Dahlgren and her husband, Orville; five brothers: Raymond and his wife, Evelyn, Glen, Duane "Zeke" and his wife, Evelyn, Allen and his wife, Delores and Bill Dodson.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in his memory and kindly suggested to Emmaus Evangelical Free Church at Funk.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.