Kenneth E. Dodge

Kenneth E. "Ken" Dodge, age 96, of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, formerly of Rockford and Leaf River, Illinois passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Inverness, Florida. Ken was born December 28, 1928 in Ridgeland, Wisconsin, the son of George "Lloyd" and Alma (Lange) Dodge. Ken graduated from Barron High School, class of 1946. He proudly served in the United States Army from June 1950- July 1953, where he earned the Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Ken married his sweetheart, Verona Jean Dunaway, on October 30, 1954, she preceded him in death on November 6, 2006. He met Janet Ball and they lived happily for the last 18 years. Ken attended Brooke Road United Methodist Church for many years. He was a truck driver for 51 years and was a member of the Local Teamsters 325. Ken was employed at Knox Motors and ATL for several years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling in the RV after retirement. Ken was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He liked watching cartoons and reading Snuffy Smith and Beetle Bailey comic strips. Ken enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, Hee Haw and Lawrence Welk. He was easy going and had a great sense of humor. Ken will be remembered for his sweet nature and always saying "Garsh."

Ken is loved and missed by his children, Cindy (Jeffrey) Albright, Sharon Dodge and Raymond Dodge; grandchildren, Chelsey Dodge, John Albright and Joseph (Kayla) Albright; several great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Suszanne) Dodge; numerous nieces and nephews; and special companion, Janet Ball. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Verona, and several siblings.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025 with a memorial service to begin at 12:00 p.m. at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL 61102. Burial with military honors to follow at Willwood Burial Park.