Edward Dodge Atwood

Edward Dodge Atwood, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away on August 14, 2016.  He was 93. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 19, 2016 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Lakeshore Lodge #298 F&AM at the Church. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor with Military Rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family at the church beginning at 9:00 A.M. Friday until the time of the service. Those wishing to sign Ed’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Born in Benton Harbor on March 24, 1923, Ed was the son of the late Orville and Mary Atwood.  Enrolled in the Cradle-Roll department of the Benton Harbor First Congregational Church on the day he was born, Ed was a life-long member of the church, first in Benton Harbor and later at First Congregational Church of St. Joseph.  He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1941.  Following his pre-professional education at Michigan State University, he graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1946. Ed began his dental career in 1946 as the Berrien County school dentist.  After two years, he launched a 44-year private practice in the Twin Cities.  The only interruption to his practice was his two-year tour of duty in the Korean War, in which he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps stationed in Tokyo, Japan. Ed was a dedicated and tireless volunteer in many Twin Cities service organizations.  He was recently awarded a lifelong membership by the Exchange Club of Southwestern Michigan, which he joined in 1948; a life member of three Masonic bodies – Benton Harbor Masonic Lodge #298, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Saladin Shrine – and he was a member of the Michigan Dental Association (a trustee for nine years) and on the Michigan Dental Society Legislative Committee for three years. Quick to share his exuberant stories and sense of humor, he never missed an opportunity to be silly.  Ed loved his hobbies of photography, handcrafting fine wood pens, and visiting his cabin in Northern Michigan with his family.  He believed that John Phillips Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever“ was best played by the University of Michigan marching band and that marrying his wife, Alice Jeanne, was by far the best decision he ever made. Dr. Atwood is survived by Alice Jeanne, his beloved wife of 70 years; son William (Jan) of Harrisburg Pa., and daughter Sally (Mark) of Barrington Ill.; and four grandchildren: Kelly Atwood (Matt), and Erin, Emily and Michael Rappleye. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen (Atwood) Dudas; and his son, Jim. We offer our gratitude and sincere thanks to Reverend Bob Braman, Jan Trapani, and the members of the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, the nurses and staff at Woodland Terrace- Bridgman for their skilled and compassionate care and guidance these last few months as well as the many Lakeland Health doctors and nurses involved with his care.  Our hearts are forever touched by the hours of quiet friendship and many kindnesses offered by his friends, who visited and drove tirelessly to endless doctor appointments, social engagements and errands. GO BLUE! In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, the Berrien County Cancer Service or the Berrien County Shrine Club.