Gerald W Dodge

Gerald W Dodge (Jerry) 58, of Oregon, Texas, and Utah passed away Wednesday February 15, 2017. Jerry is the precious son of Lee W Dodge and Pearl Nelson Dodge. He was born at six months gestation (fifth of six children), a tiny baby less than 3 lbs. in Medford Oregon. A small child growing up weak and scrawny, who knew he'd become a great athlete? In his early years he grew up in an earthly heaven in Yamhill, Oregon where they owned a farm. His mother said he was such a happy child and would play so contented all day with his army men, and tractors outside in the dirt. He would have a deep affection for Oregon, especially the country all his life. When Jerry was a freshman in High School he had a PPI with his Bishop (His Dad) and told him his physical goal was to become an Oregon State Wrestling Champion. Though holding back a slight giggle his father helped him chart a course to the attainment of his goals. They would forge an incredibly close bond as his father supported him, drove him to every available match and tournament throughout the western United States. He would clock Jerry's runs and Jerry would tap on his father's window and yell, "Time, time, time?!?", and Lee would holler back the answer. Lee worked in Portland and would mark a spot between Portland and their house in the country and he would tell Jerry when to start running, and if he was in the designated spot when his father drove by after work Jerry would be picked up for a ride back home. If he wasn't there... he had to turn around and run home. This gave Jerry his first tastes of focus and mental toughness, and built his stamina. Jerry has always enjoyed a very close bond and relationship with his siblings and their spouses. He was a loving and devoted uncle to a plethora of adoring nieces and nephews who were asked on many occasions by him, "Who is your BEST buddy?" so one of the young children began lovingly calling him 'Uncle Buddy' and it stuck. He is still referred to by the family as 'Uncle Buddy' because he is everyone's BEST buddy, still. Jerry went from having trouble doing a single push-up to Oregon State Wrestling Champion at 136 lbs in 1976. He then went on to become a National Champion. Highly recruited,, he settled his sights on BYU and was a WAC Champion. He won the Olympic Trials in 1980, the year the United States boycotted the Olympics in Moscow. He coached many young wrestlers and had a personal belief that wrestling built character, strength and mental toughness that made great husbands, fathers, and successful providers and he was oh so right. He loved that the sport of wrestling allowed young men of any size to become great athletes.

He met the love of his life, and eternal companion Sandra Joy Beaujeu and Heavenly Father blessed them with an especially close relationship, and a true eternal love. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on the 23rd of June, 1981. They have four children, Maria Christine, Andraya Camille, Cassandra Joy, and Jered Lee Dodge. They enjoyed music and joy in their home and three of his children were Texas State Champions in Voice, Clarinet, and first chair All-State Choir. He wasn't much of a music man, but he was tutored by his children and supported them, taught them to set goals, and attended all their performances. He loved them deeply. Jerry was called home to his Heavenly Father from an accident after heart surgery. Our hearts are broken, but our faith is not. He worked in the newspapers industry as a Circulation Manager, as did Sandi. They worked side by side 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Days off were extremely rare for him. His work ethic was legendary. He was a walker of the talk. Jerry was a friend to the down trodden, employed the unemployable, helped those in need, and fought for the underdog. When he saw a need, he quietly went about doing good in the shadows, not being one to call attention to himself. He was humble. He loved his Heavenly Father and was especially grateful for the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. He knew personally what Jesus Christ means to each of us.

He leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife, Sandi, their children, and his brothers and sisters; Chris and Dolores Zahlmann (OR), Don and Pauline Dodge (WA), Jim and Linda Tracy (UT), Charlie and Lori Dodge, and a vast number of nieces, nephews, friends, and collegues. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Patty Dodge. We love this man. Not passed tense 'loved', but forever tense.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Stillwater LDS Ward Chapel, 136 W Summerhill Dr., Saratoga Springs, Utah with a viewing from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Family and friends may also attend a viewing Monday evening February 20, 2017 from 6 -8 p.m. at the Church. Interment will be in the American Fork City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.