Thomas C. Hodge

Thomas (Tom) Charles Hodge, age 78, of Winona, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 29, 2025, with his children by his side.

Tom was born January 31, 1947, in Rochester, MN, to Floyd Hodge and Clarice (Anderson) Hodge.

Upon graduating from John Marshall High School, he married Clarice Welke. This union brought two children, Jeff and Stacey. They later divorced and remained good friends throughout.

Tom was a proud Army Veteran, who really cared for his country. Tom was an Owner- Operator Long Haul Trucker. He was employed with Kujak Trucking for a short period of time, before moving on to Marten Transport out of Mondovi, WI working 30+ years as a driver, and later serving as a Road Repair Liaison for the Company.

Tom had many interests including his love of sports especially The Minnesota Vikings and The Twins… which he was a true die-hard fan. He loved attending Stock Car and Dirt Track Racing events throughout his life with friends and son Jeff. He enjoyed an occasional outing to the Casino where he loved playing BINGO alongside his friends and family when the opportunity arose. He enjoyed his TV programs, especially the old Western shows, and movies. He loved to dance and enjoyed Country Western Music particularly Waylon Jennings and The Outlaw musicians.

Tom was fortunate to have loving children and grandchildren who adored him. He made many trips as his health would allow to his daughter’s home which was a distance from his home and had quality time with them all. Later as things became difficult, he was able to continue such visits with his son Jeff helping.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Clarice Welke-Hodge; step-daughter, Stacy Smith and her daughter, Taylor Swanson, whom Tom adored, and loved very much. We are confident Tom is now smiling with them.

Tom is survived by his children: Jeff (Connie) Hodge and Stacey (Scott) Lane; grandchildren: Samantha, Sarah, and Jake Lane; Lance (Claire) Owen, and their children Finnan, and Hadley; brothers: Gary, Rich, and Ron; his sister, Judy Prather; and their families; and Cheryl Albrecht (mother to Stacy Smith, and grandmother to Taylor Swanson).

The family would like to extend our gratitude for the wonderful care Tom received while at Callista Court, and Winona Health Hospice.

Memorials may be directed to The Winona Area Human Society, or ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) if you choose.

Honoring his wishes, private family services have been held.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Tom’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.