Frank E. Dodge

Frank E. Dodge, age 89, passed away on Christmas Day with his sons by his side. He was a long-time resident of Johnson but had resided at The Manor in Morrisville since 2016.

Frank was born to Warren A. 'Dick' Dodge and Pauline (Gallup) Dodge on May 4, 1935. He was the second of three children. As a child, Frank, along with his mom and siblings, lived for several years with his grandparents, Frank L. and Annjanet (Nettie Davis) Dodge, on the family farm in Johnson. He was very close to his Grandpa Frank, who guided him through the five-year absence of his father due to military service in WW II. He learned a strong work ethic and loved his years on the farm. He especially loved going to the 65-acre parcel on Butternut Mountain that Grandpa Frank owned. They cut firewood and brought out some logs. Frank learned the art of making maple syrup there, as well. He carried fond memories of his horse Jip, who he spent countless hours riding including a trip up Laraway Mountain with cousins Buddy and Gordy Davis. That trip earned them a spot in the Burlington Free Press and Frank a trip to the woodshed!

Frank worked several jobs as a young man. He was St. Michael's College. He spent seventeen years as an educator, with time spent at Peoples Academy, Vergennes High School, and finally as Assistant Principle at Mt. Mansfield Union High School.

Frank was a member of the Vermont Army National Guard, graduating top of his class at the Vermont Military Academy in 1959. His military career spanned twenty-four years when he retired as a Major.

Frank was a life member of the Waterman Masonic Lodge #83, of Johnson. He served on the Select Board in Johnson during the 1970's.

On September 2, 1956, Frank married the love of his life, Barbara (Clark) Dodge. Barbara predeceased him in 2019, having spent 63 years together. They brought four boys into the world, Frank II, Peter, Eric, and Daniel. He shared his love of the outdoors with his sons creating lifelong memories. The opening weekend of deer season became a family holiday.

Frank and Barbara owned and operated Frank E. Dodge and Son Excavating from 1975 until 2006. Frank could be seen operating his equipment most anywhere in the county. His four sons created the live-in work force necessary to keep the business rolling. Frank was a very social being and loved his interactions with customers and the public in general. His son, Peter, and wife Gidget became the owners in 2006 and continue to operate the business in Johnson.

The Butternut Mountain property, purchased by Frank's grandparents in 1904, was given to Frank by them. Over many years and four generations of Dodges, thousands of gallons of delicious maple syrup have been produced from four different sugar houses on the property. Mansion House Maple Syrup was born from the fourth sugar house, which was built by Frank and Barbara, in 2000. The business continues today under the capable hands of Peter and Gidget.

In 1963, Frank, with the help of friends and family, built a log cabin on his beloved 65 acres on Butternut Mountain. 'Camp' was the headquarters for all hunting adventures. Over the years Camp has been the central gathering place for the Dodge family. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, sliding parties, and anything family related were celebrated at Camp. It was said that Frank was happiest when he had a chainsaw in his hand or was operating equipment, but Frank was truly happiest when he was surrounded by his kids, grandkids, great grandkids and all the other family and friends he was blessed to have around him. Frank and Barabara achieved their life's dream and made the Butternut Mountain property their forever home in 1996. They lived there for twenty years until health-related issues precipitated their move to The Manor.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Barbara in 2019, his sons Daniel in 1983, and Frank II in 2022. He is survived by his sons, Peter Dodge and wife, Gidget (Dolan), Eric Dodge and wife, Angela (Fecteau), daughter-in-law, Susie Dodge of Kiowa, CO, granddaughters Erica (Eric) Bornemann of Hyde Park, and Danielle (Ian) Stewart of Duxbury, Jessi (Ryan) Hanrahan of Louisville, KY, and Kinsee Dodge of Helena, MT, his great grandchildren, Sawyer and Fischer Bornemann, Elijah and Everett Stewart, and many very special nieces and nephews.

For over eight years, Dad knew The Manor as 'Home'. It is a home filled with love and laughter, happiness and sorrow, kindness and tears. The staff lost a family member as much as we did. The outpouring of love from everyone at the Manor is genuine and heartfelt and our family is forever grateful for the exceptional care he received. To all of those that answered Dad's call to scratch his back, you hold a special place in our hearts.

Dad received hospice care for over two years from Lamoille Home Health & Hospice. Through the staff and volunteers and their many hours of comfort giving, Dad's quality of life was greatly enhanced. Special thanks to Hospice Volunteer, Gizelle, for the kindness and loving care you provided which Dad spoke of so frequently.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 12 PM until 2 PM at the United Church in Johnson  with a Funeral Service immediately following at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank's memory may be made to the Lamoille Area Home Health and Hospice, 54 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, VT. 05661.

Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com