Mary Jane Dodge

Mary Jane Dodge, 90, formerly of Gilman, was called home on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at Hospice House in Wausau, surrounded by family, under the care of Aspirus Hospice and her daughter, Virginia. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at Christ’s Community Church of Jump River with Pastor Joey Olsen officiating. Burial will follow in the Hannibal Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

She was born on Aug. 19, 1933 to the late Charles and Georgia (Heiser) Close. Mary Jane grew up in Waukesha, and attended area schools. She was united in marriage to Zane Dodge on May 3, 1952, on the family farm in Hannibal in a double ceremony with his brother, Charles, and his bride, Phyllis Kraehnke.

Mary Jane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was always there for her family, without hesitation. Her family was her world. Mary Jane’s days were spent raising their six children, helping Zane on the farm, and planting the large garden in the spring and harvesting it in the fall, freezing or canning the bounty to carry them through the winter. Mary Jane loved family gatherings, especially the

1933-2024

annual camping trip. She enjoyed travelling, and at the age of 75, finally flew for the first time. Another special trip was the family road trip to Williamsburg, Virginia.

For many years, Mary Jane enjoyed participating in the Gilman Community Chorus, performing in their concerts and visiting area nursing homes to share her love of music. Mary Jane freely gave of her time. She was active in her church’s ladies’ group, the Hannibal Area Ladies Aide, and the Hannibal Area Work Basket. She also assisted at the Cleveland Town Hall during elections. She could always be found helping in the kitchen, whether it was at church, the Gilman Senior Center, or the home of one of her children. When the children became older, Mary Jane worked outside of the home as a cafeteria cook/server at the Hannibal Elementary School and also at the school in Gilman.

She is survived by her children, Wayne Dodge of Chippewa Falls, Warren (Cheryl) Dodge of Gilman, Barbara Dodge of New Brighton, Minn., Susan Elphick (Randy Spivey) of Marshall, and Virginia (Glen) Dawson of Marathon; seven grandchildren, Denise, Renee, Jeremy, Joshua, Shauna, Ryan, and Victoria; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sisterin- law, Beatrice Kohn; numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, all whom she loved and cherished.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Zane (2021); her son, Elwin (2019); three brothers; seven sisters; and one great-grandchild, Nathaniel.

Paid Obituary 148460