“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Joe "Bill" William Hodge, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.
Bill was born on January 28, 1940 in James M. Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. He was the son of Wylie and Gladys (Hooper) Hodge. Raised in spent first three months in Florida before moving to Rockford, Illinois, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Bill was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Bill was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Bill was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Bill also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Bill was raised with an older brother, C. Keith Hodge. Bill was constantly involved in activities with his family. Bill and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.
Most folks would say that Bill was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Bill was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Bill best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Bill kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Carl Rundblade. Later in life, he became friends with Steve and Mary Kappel, Rena and Bill O'Howell and Tom Meyers.
Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Bill. On November 18, 1978 Bill married Sharon L. Brosious at Church by the Side of the Road of Rockton, Illinois. He was totally committed to Sharon and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Bill naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Bill disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.
Bill had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Joe was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him. Joe was blessed with one child from a prior marriage, daughter, Gail Lynn Hodge and a step-son, Randall from his marriage with Sharon.
If you gave Bill a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Bill was always on task. Without hesitation, Bill could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was factory worker. He was employed for 29 years at Arnold Magnetics before going to Wal-mart for 10 more years. During that time, Bill excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Bill was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Bill had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.
Bill liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Bill's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Bill preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were constructing radio control models and traveling to historic places. Bill also did Civil War re-enacting for several years. Bill was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.
Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Bill had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included many different history sites in England, Scotland, Wales, Mexico, Australia and all but 8 of the US states.
He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling. Even in retirement, Bill continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.
Bill passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2020 in his home. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sharon; step-son, Randall Brosious; niece, Katherine Hodge; sister-in-law, Gail Hodge. Services were held at Sunset Funeral Home in Machesney Park. Bill was laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park, Illinois.
It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Bill was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Bill was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Joe William Hodge was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Bill. He will be missed.
* * * * * * * * * *
Joe “Bill” William Hodge, 79, of Rockford, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, January 6, 2020. Born January 28, 1940 in Miami, FL. Son of Wylie and Gladys (Hooper) Hodge. United in marriage to Sharon Brosious on November 18, 1978 in the Church by the Side of the Road. Employed by Arnold Magnetics for 29 years having retired in 2002. He then found employment at Wal-mart for 10 years. Together with Sharon, Bill found enjoyment in history and traveling. Their honeymoon was visiting the Gettysburg National Battlefield. They traveled to many different history sites in England, Scotland, Wales, Mexico, Australia and all but 8 of the US states.
Survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sharon; step-son, Randall Brosious; niece, Katherine Hodge; sister-in-law, Gail Hodge. Predeceased by his parents, Wylie Hodge and Gladys Radean; grandparents, Earl and Maude Staub; brother, C. Keith Hodge; daughter, Gail Lynn Hodge.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Visitation at 1 p.m. until time of service. Inurnment following in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18