Delores “Mick” I. Dodge, age 93, of Ellsworth, WI, passed away October 14th, 2020. Mick was born December 1, 1926 in Red Wing, MN to Peter and Violet (Molander) Mickelson. She attended Utah and Poole Grade Schools, and graduated from Ellsworth High School, with the Class of 1944. On July 1, 1944, she married Nello O. Dodge. They farmed until Nello retired. Nello passed away in 2005.
Mick was a member of the Bethel Covenant Church Ellsworth, Bethel Dorcas, Moeville/Bethel Cemetery Board, Plum Creek Quilters, Red Wing Evening Star Quilters, Havasu Quilters (Arizona) and Pierce County Homemakers.
Mick worked at stores in Ellsworth and Red Wing, MN, before starting her own business, Dodge Drapery, which she operated for 37 years out of her home-based custom sewing shop.
Mick enjoyed volunteering for the Blood Mobile (40 yrs.), Havasu Regional Hospital and Blood Bank (14 yrs.), Red Wing Hospital Gift Shop (many yrs.), Trimbelle Township Election Board (40yrs) and served as a Leader for Farmers Union Youth for 36 years. Mick loved to sew, knit, crochet, make crafts, cook, read, and visit with friends and family. She made newborn baby caps and comfort quilts for the Aids babies then donated all to local Hospitals. She fully enjoyed using her talents making and donating many items, too many to list, to her church. Although Mick’s hobbies were many, the one that gave her the most satisfaction was the prayer shawl program. By January 2018, she had made 427 prayer shawls which were given to Bethel Covenant Church, St. Paul’s UCC Church and many people in need.
Mick and Nello were also members of the Sons of Norway out of Red Wing, MN for 15 years. They spent 16 winters living in Lake Havasu City, AZ making many new and lasting friendships. They traveled with their camper and took trips by tour bus visiting 46 states, Canada, and Mexico.
Mick is survived by 3 daughters and 2 sons, 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren with #19 on the way. Mick’s children, Cindy (Ron) Pfaff of Mauston, WI, Wayne (Pat) Dodge of Ellsworth, WI, Randy (special friend, Noreen Deiss) Dodge of Ellsworth, WI, Wendy (Rick) Schommer of Hager City, WI and Vicky (Terry) O’Connor of Lakeville, MN.
Grandchildren: Rick (Dawn) Pfaff, Rhonda Pfaff (Fiancé Jason Frye), Rusty Pfaff, Rita (Dan) VonHaden, Robb Pfaff (special friend Aga Dendura), and Ryan (Meaghan) Pfaff, Laura (Kurt) Funk, Robin (Amado) Sleiman, Nathan Dodge (special friend Kari Androli), Father Billy Dodge, Dustin (Rebecca) Dodge w/baby Dodge 2021, Jacob (Jody) Johnson, Melanie (Isaac) Corey, Travis Schommer and TJ (Rebecca) O’Connor.
Great Grandchildren: Matthew and Michael VonHaden, Maci Ann Pfaff, Brayden Moody, Kaden and Marshall Funk, Nevia and Adler Sleiman, Kalen Androli/Dodge, Mitchell Johnson, Dylan (Kaylan) Simonic/Corey, Victoria, Alivia, Evan, Trenton Corey, Avery Schommer, Lochlan, Holden O’Connor and Makala, Haley, & Lyndsey Frye.
Also survived by sister-in-law, Marilyn Grosse of Red Wing MN, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Nello; parents, Peter and Violet Mickelson; her in-laws, Fred and Edna Dodge; infant sister, Fern; daughter-in-law, Mary Dodge; sisters/brothers- in-law, Grace & Don Bauer, Dorothea & Al Tomhave, Mike & Lola Dodge, Dick & Muriel Dodge, Bob Grosse, Red & Rosie Dodge, Burtton & Jean Dodge and Alberta Dodge; 2 nieces and 2 nephews.
The family extends their sincere appreciation to Pastor Todd Spieker and the Spiritual Care Committee of Bethel Covenant Church, St. Croix Hospice, and the staff at Atrium Post-Acute Care Center of Ellsworth for their care, compassion and friendship given to Mick and her family during her 2½ year stay.
Due to current health guidelines, a private family graveside ceremony will be held at Moeville/Bethel Cemetery where Nello and Mick will be laid to rest together. The family hopes to host a Celebration of Life for Mick in the future.
In lieu of gifts, memorials are preferred to Moeville/Bethel Cemetery, St Croix Hospice, or a charity of your choice in memory of Delores “Mick” Dodge.
Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
