Robert "Doc" Hodgson

Alvord, IA        Robert “Doc” Hodgson, age 81 of Alvord, IA died Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA.        A “Celebration of Life” visitation will be Saturday, February 13th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Alvord Community Center in Alvord.     Robert Milton Hodgson was born January 27, 1934 at McPherson Hospital in McPherson, Kansas the son of Milton and Alice (Ruehlen) Hodgson. Robert’s early years were spent on a tenant farm in Rice County, Kansas. His hometown was Little River, Kansas. He attended elementary school in various locations, including rural Rice County; Hutchinson, Kansas; Georgia and McPherson, Kansas. His middle school years were in McPherson, Kansas and he graduated from Manhattan Kansas High School in 1951. Robert entered the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York in the summer of 1951. He resigned from USMA in the summer of 1953. After a year in pre-veterinarian studies he was accepted into Kansas State Veterinary School in Manhattan, Kansas. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1958.      Dr. Hodgson was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Veterinary Corps in August of 1958. He attended schools in meat and dairy hygiene in Chicago, Illinois. He also reported to TDY (Temporary Duty) at the 6th Army Medical Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois; Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.; and the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C. He was assigned a permanent post in the 2nd Army Medical Laboratory, Chief of Veterinary Medicine. In August of 1960 he was discharged from military service. Dr. Hodgson was hired by E.W. Baldwin, D.V.M. to assist in Alvord Veterinary Service in Alvord, Iowa. He was offered a partnership in the veterinary service in January of 1961 and became sole owner and practitioner of the Alvord Veterinary Service in the summer of 1965.       On February 8, 1964, Dr. Hodgson married Elaine Catherine Kozura in Minersville, Pennsylvania. The Hodgson’s adopted two children, Marla Rebecca in 1968 and Edward “Ned” Kendal in 1969. Roberta Melinda was born to them in 1975.      Dr. Hodgson qualified for his private pilot’s license in the late 1960’s. He owned and flew a Piper Tri Pacer and a Loscumbe. He backpacked several summers in National Parks and Preserves. In 1977 he initiated youth wrestling, “Doc’s Dudes”. He sponsored and coached “Doc’s Dudes” for twenty years. The tradition of “Doc’s Dudes” continues with former “Dudes” and volunteers as coaches.      Dr. Hodgson acted as track veterinarian at the thoroughbred racing track, “ATOKAD”, in South Sioux City, Nebraska in the mid 1990’s      Dr. Hodgson received a position in West Lyon’s “Hall of Fame” for fan support and volunteerism. He also received recognition from the state of Iowa: the Governor’s Award for Volunteerism. The Northwest Association of Wrestling Coaches recognized his years as a coach of youth wrestling. During his retired years Doc filled his days with poker, Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, assembling modeling airplanes, rocketry, television, reading and respiratory therapy.      Robert is survived by his wife, Elaine of Alvord, IA; children, Marla Doherty and her husband, John of Larchwood, IA; Ned Hodgson of Larchwood, IA and Roberta Hodgson of Alvord, IA; brother, Dale Hodgson of Hurst, TX; sister, Sandra Hodgson Pittsburg, PA; along with many relatives and friends.      He was preceded in death by his parents.      Dr. Hodgson’s body is currently at the USD Medical Center for research.