Kenneth Neil Hodgman

Kenneth Neil Hodgman, 81, of Grand Junction died Wednesday, October 20 at Meadow Woods Nursing Home in Bloomingdale.
He was born February 10, 1929 in Grand Junction, Michigan to Percy and Eva (Bridenstein) Hodgman. Kenneth graduated from South Haven High School. Kenneth served his country in the U.S. Army combat Engineers Constructing helicopter pads. Upon his discharge he married Faith Strong on December 29, 1956. Kenneth owned and operated Hodgman Blueberry Plantation in Grand Junction with his wife and son Chris and wife Yuri until his full retirement in 2005. He was a pioneer in the use of underground solid set irrigation in the 60’s which is now an industry standard around the world. Kenneth was a member of Michigan Blueberry Growers Association for 45 years and served on various committees over the years. He served as Columbia Township Clerk. Kenneth was a member and trustee of the First Congregational Church of Grand Junction. He enjoyed ice fishing, square dancing and walking with his dog and cats.
He is preceded in death along with his parents and his beloved sister – Anna Brenner.
He is survived by wife – Faith Hodgman of Grand Junction, Michigan. One son – Christopher Neil (Yuri) Hodgman of Grand Junction, Michigan. Two daughters – Lisa Ann (James) Bodnar of North Branch, Michigan and Laura Lea (Tony) Hodgman of Sanford, Florida. Five grandchildren – Nicholas, Gavin, David, Daniel, and Ruth Ellen. One brother – Nelson Hodgman of Grand Junction, Michigan. Three sisters – Marjorie Waldo of Comstock, Michigan, Irene (Wait) Hunter of Florida and Alice Overhiser of Grand Junction, Michigan.
Visitation will be from 2 – 4 & 6 - 8 on Saturday, October 23 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Sunday at 3:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of Grand Junction with Rev. Edith Winter officiating. Burial will take place at Grand Junction Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church. Kindly share your thought and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.