Elmer E. Dodge

Elmer, age 78, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, at home surrounded by his family. Elmer was born in Tenino, Washington. He lived all but two years in Tenino, passing away just four miles from where he was born. Elmer graduated from Tenino High School in 1956.

Elmer was married to his wife, Jann at the Bethel Assembly of God in Chehalis, July 6, 1957.

The railroad was Elmer's life work, 43 years. When he began his career, it was for the Northern Pacific Railroad, then Burlington Northern Santa Fe, at retirement in 1999. The early years saw the "speeder" motor cars and on to the highrail trucks that were driven on the rails. By then, computers were in the trucks.

One of Elmer's proudest achievements was when he and his wife, Jann built their home in Tenino, complete with a 13 foot fireplace with rocks dug from their pasture, peeled pole trusses and a barn built of railroad ties.

Football, baseball and basketball were the high school sports Elmer loved. Boxing was also a sport he participated in. Elmer always enjoyed his Harley during the summer. He was in his element when he was packed up and headed for elk hunting, either at Mt. St. Helens or Forks area. Summer road trips took Elmer and Jann to Alaska and the Southwest United States. Elmer loved to fish, hunt, camp and spend time with family. Most of all, Elmer loved God. He attended First Presbyterian Church in Tenino. He always looked forward to brunch after church with friends at the Sandstone Cafe in Tenino.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Jann of 58 years; son, Monte Dodge (Patty), of Manson, Washington; daughter, Barbi Guile (Zane) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; son, Jason Dodge of Lacey, Washington; grandchildren, Dustin, Angela, Mario, Victoria, Elizabeth, Hannah, Courtney and Natalie; four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl and Lula (Luttrell) Dodge; one grandchild, Dominic; two brothers; and three sisters.

Services will be Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church, Tenino, Washington at 11:00 a.m. Burial is at Forest Grove Cemetery in Tenino with a reception following graveside at Skookumchuck Grange.

Please consider sending donations to Tenino Fire Department, P.O. Box 4010, Tenino, WA 98589. The family would like to thank them for countless times they responded to a frantic call at all hours for assistance.

Special thanks to Hospice and the Dallaire family for making Elmer very comfortable these past few months.

Arrangements are under the care of Mills and Mills, Tumwater, Washington