June 18, 1926 - November 2, 2020
Kenneth V. Hodges, MD of Edina, died November 2, 2020, at the age of 94. Ken was born June 18, 1926, to Hilary D. and Wilma O. (Verplank) Hodges in Albert Lea, MN. He grew up in Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1944. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy, Ken served as an Aviation Radioman Third Class. Following the end of WWII, Ken attended and graduated in 1950 at St. Olaf College (Chemistry) and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. While attending the University of Minnesota Medical School, he met the love of his life, M. Joan Hodges. They were married in 1954 and lived in the Panama Canal Zone for his internship. Following residency in Bakersfield, CA, they settled in the Twin Cities area where Ken began as a General Practitioner, primarily with Southdale Family Practice, finally retiring at age 79. Ken was elected Fairview Southdale Chief of Staff in 1969. His passions included his faith, travel, time at the lake, "A Prairie Home Companion", tennis, skiing, running (including 4 marathons), tinkering, and his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; parents, and a sister Lucianne (George) Elmore. Ken is survived by children, Mark Hodges, Robert (Kathy) Hodges, Cindy (Steve) Aasen; grandchildren, Lauren, Connor, and John; great-grandchildren, Lilian and Olivia and niece, Marrie (Tom) Coleman.
Private family services to be held.
Memorials may be given to Woodlake Lutheran Church, 2120 W. 76th St., Richfield, MN 55423.
Our dear, dear friend! He and Joan left their mark and will be so missed.
Thank you so much, Marilyn!
to the family of Dr Hodges, my deepest sympathy to you all, he was such a great Dr and friend to me and all those that had worked for him thru the years. My time being a medical assistant with Dr Hodges, Dr Grube and Dr Johnson were the best years I have
had and have so many great memories of Dr Hodges diligence in taking care of his patients no matter how much time was needed for an appointment . I know he is with dear Joan now and enjoying the glory of the kingdom of God.
take care. JoAnn Beuch
Thank you so much, JoAnn!
Gerri and I deeply appreciate the unwavering support which Ken and Joan gave to the ministries of Woodlake Lutheran Church for so many decades. May they rest in peace! – Pastor Mark Wegener
Thank you so much, Pastor Wegener
Cindy, Robert, and Mark: You have our heartfelt sympathy. I loved your dad as my doctor and a great mentor of young people in our church. He and your mom threw great parties – with Paul Romstad’s 40th as a memorable occasion in their home. Doc was someone who made his patients feel better as soon as he walked through the exam room door. Both Doc and Joan are two people who made an incredible impression on everyone they met and spent time with, and blessed us all. Our prayers are with you as you walk this journey of grief and remembrance. ~ Kirsten (Nilsen) & Joe Rabbe
Kirsten, thank you so much! We were so blessed!
My condolences to the family. Dr Hodges was my was my Doctor for my years and one time I was noticing his name on his medical certificate and asked him about the Verplank middle name as my mother was a Verplank,it turns out that is mother and my mother where first cousins who grew up in New Richland,Mn John Walstrom
What a small world! Thank you so much for your condolences.