William Harrison Dodd, 85

William (Bill) Harrison Dodd, 85, passed away on June 8, 2010, at the Montgomery County Hospital in Red Oak.

William (Bill) Harrison Dodd, the son of John and Pearl (Reeves) Dodd was born June 13, 1924, at Randolph. Bill attended the Randolph Schools, graduating from high school in 1941. When in high school he participated in sports, declamatory competitions and music competitions, especially vocal groups and solos. He then attended Iowa State University at Ames, for one year then returned home to help on the farm. He continued singing activities with the Farm Bureau and through those activities met Elsie Nelson. They were united in marriage in Sidney, on Nov. 30, 1947. They were blessed with four children: Stephen, Daniel, Richard and Susan.

They made their home on a farm south of Red Oak, where he raised his family and carried on a successful farm operation. He also farmed land near Randolph. Bill was a charter member of the Montgomery County Fair Board, serving on the board for 19 years and as President from 1963-1966. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991. He and Elsie were founding members of Nishna Productions, first being on a study group and then fund raising to found Nishna Productions for establishing a sheltered workshop and group homes. He served on their Board of Directors from 1982-1990. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, USA, where he was an ordained elder and served on the Board of Deacons and Trustees. Since retirement, Bill remained active with one of his favorite activities being the Merc Coffee Club. He participated in their courier service for the Montgomery County Hospital as well fund raising for the group’s various causes. He also enjoyed singing with his wife in The Happy Warblers, a group recognized by the governor for their volunteer efforts. He and Elsie delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and was a volunteer at the Good Samaritan Care Center, receiving “Volunteer of the Year” award in 2005. Bill loved his family with his best memories being camping and fishing. He loved to barbeque and was quite a great cook. He also enjoyed bowling in his free time, winning many awards through the years. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Elizabeth, son Richard Joel Dodd, March 14, 2009, and brother-in-law John W. McGuire, Dec. 4, 2002. 

Bill is survived by his wife Elsie; children: Stephen Dodd and wife Cynthia of Fremont; Neb.; Daniel Dodd of Red Oak; Susan Dodd Heuer of Red Oak; granddaughters: Stephanie Dodd of New York, N.Y.; Shelby Owens and husband Rob of Omaha, Neb.; Stacy Heuer of Kansas City, Mo.; Megan Heuer of Washington D.C.; and sister Isabel Dodd McGuire of Leawood, Kan. as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.  

Funeral services were held June 11 at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church with Rev. Caryn Pedersen officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. 

Memorials are suggested to Nishna Productions or Red Oak Presbyterian Church.