Joseph J. Dodge

Joseph J. Dodge, 70, of Newton, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at Newton Healthcare. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials to the Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton Leagueor the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center can be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.

Joe, the son of Max and Susan (Nesmith) Dodge, was born July 7, 1950, in Newton. He was a lifelong Newton resident and graduated from Newton High School in 1968. He attended Iowa State University for two years on a wrestling scholarship. Upon returning to Newton, Joe began working as a mechanic for Wilbur Davis at his service station. In 1980, Joe opened Dodge’s West End Garage. On Sept. 24, 1988, Joe was united in marriage with Sandra (Moon) Aldrich in Beltrami County, Minn. Joe enjoyed hunting — especially deer hunting with friends, fishing any shooting sports and vacationing at the cabin on Cass Lake in Minnesota. In his younger years, Joe also participated in many hotrod tractor pulls. Joe had served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was a member of the Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.

Joe is survived by his wife, Sandy of Newton; sons, Tony Aldrich (Brenda Vanderpol) of Newton, Sean Aldrich of Newton and Scott Aldrich; his grandchildren, Jacob Aldrich, Danielle (Erik) Miller, Nicholas Aldrich and Josh (Jessica) Aldrich; great-grandchildren, Riley, Hudson and Jensen; his brothers, Jack Dodge and John Dodge, both of Newton; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.