Ronald Paul Hodel

Ronald Paul Hodel, 86, of Atkinson, passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Allure of Prophetstown, Prophetstown, IL.  A funeral service will be held at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Atkinson.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Ronald was born on March 21, 1935, the son of Godfrey and Mabel (Stalter) Hodel, in Princeton, IL.  He married Laura Charlene Athey on February 28, 1953.  She preceded him in death in 1977.  He farmed for twenty years, and then switched careers, becoming a union roofing specialist.  He was employed as a roofer for Economy Roofing, and was a 50 year member of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers, Local #32.  He loved the outdoors, was a member of the Atkinson Sport Club, and could be found fishing, bird watching, traveling, going to auctions, and collecting arrowheads and pocket knives.  He admired cars and motorcycles.  He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Rhonda J. DeSplinter, Geneseo, Wendy (Allen) Jacobs, Erie, IL, and Cody Hodel, Atkinson; daughter-in-law, Darcy Hodel; grandchildren, Linnzi, Leesha, and Jeffrey, Jr. Hodel, Randi (James) Winfree, Jesse (Amanda) DeSplinter, Josh (Stina) Jacobs, and Jordan (Priya) Jacobs; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; six step-grandchildren; twelve step-great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Jean Brady, Mesa AZ, and Elaine Leonard, DePue; and lifelong friend, Nick Vuckson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Godfrey and Mabel; his loving wife, Laura; and his son, Jeffrey Hodel.