David E. Hodge

David Edwin Hodge, 92, of Berrien Springs, died Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at his home.  Born October 15, 1924 in Dabney, Indiana, he was the youngest of seven children of George Albert and Myrtle (Powell) Hodge. He grew up during the depression years in a small farming community.  He graduated from Versailles High School in 1942. In the fall of 1943 his family dropped him off at Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs, Michigan to begin his college career, which was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army as a medic in Germany during WWII.

Upon his return from Germany, he and Jeannette Roosenberg were married on November 17, 1946 at the Berrien Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church which is now the Courthouse Museum in Berrien Springs. In November of 2016 they were able to celebrate 70 years of marriage together – an amazing record!

David graduated from Emmanuel Missionary College in 1951. Then began a career working for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination in their educational system serving at Mt. Pisgah Academy, Candler, NC (1951-1955); Union Springs Academy, Union Springs, NY (1955-1966); and Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI (1967-1986) working as a teacher and dairy/farm manager. During the years of 1966-1967 he obtained his Master’s Degree from Andrews University. Following his retirement from denominational work, David spent seven years working for the Farmer’s Home Administration and finally retired in 1994.

David is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeannette; his daughters, Rolene (George) Hodge and Ronda Hodge all of Berrien Springs; his grandchildren, Renee Stepp of Williamsburg, VA, Raeann (Scott) Long of Michigan City, IN, and Daniel Stepp, Jr. of Ooltewah, TN; and three great-grandchildren.

David was especially known for his love of Jesus, his love for his family, and his dedication to and belief in the Seventh-day Adventist educational system.  He will be missed by his neighbors who have watched his beautiful gardens growing each summer and by the small groups he participated in as part of the Pioneer Memorial Church. His family will especially miss his little ditties that he would sing about any activity and his storytelling.

David’s family is eagerly awaiting the Second Coming of Christ when they can be reunited together as a family and spend eternity with their loving heavenly Father.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, January 19, at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University, where friends may call beginning at 2 p.m.  Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs, was entrusted with arrangements, and online messages for the family may be shared at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Visitation:
Pioneer Memorial Church
49103

Memorial Service:
Pioneer Memorial Church
49103