Wanda Dodgen

Wanda, the daughter of Tom and Agnes Edwards, was born on August 14, 1928, in Callender, Iowa. She grew up alongside her older brother, Warren Edwards, who was seven years older than she. In the seventh grade, Wanda and her family moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa where she later graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1946. She continued her education at Fort Dodge Junior College earning her associates degree.

Throughout her early career, Wanda worked at several businesses in Fort Dodge, including the Dutch Mill Ice Cream Shop, Lilyan’s Dress Shop, Younkers and the State Bank. On January 29, 1950 she was united in marriage to John N. Dodgen at First Baptist Church in Fort Dodge beginning a union that would last for over 60 years. She worked at Berkley, manufacturing fishing rods in Spirit Lake, Iowa and later as a special education assistant at South Junior High in Fort Dodge.

Wanda was a woman of great faith in God, was 100% Norwegian and had a good sense of humor. She was very active at First Baptist Church and she drove the church bus to pick up children for Wednesday after school youth meetings. She belonged to and enjoyed the ladies sewing group, participated in the ladies circle and helped with Vacation Bible School. Later, while living in Humboldt, she and John became devoted members of Oak Hill Church.

She was a fantastic bowler and belonged to a woman’s league every Monday morning at Ridgewood Lanes. She enjoyed reading and also playing golf with her husband. She especially cherished reunions with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and prayed for and loved them all with an abiding love. Wanda and John traveled extensively and to 6 of the 7 continents, enjoying both cruises and adventures all over the world and in their Born Free Motorhome which John proudly manufactured. She helped raise three lions that were mascots for the Born Free Motorhomes.

After spending her first 87 years in Iowa, she moved to Traverse City, Michigan to be near and then live with her daughter Lori and son-in-law John. She was a member of New Hope Community Church which she loved attending.

Wanda was proceeded in death by her husband, John N. Dodgen; her parents, Tom and Agnes Edwards; her brother Warren Edwards; her sister-in-law Viola Edwards; her daughter Mary Lou Perdue; her son John C.T. Dodgen and her granddaughter Emily Kate Downing.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren:

-Jim (Roe) Dodgen and their children, James Dodgen, Briell (Gerry) Stratton and Simon (Amber) Dodgen

-The late Mary Lou (Hal) Perdue and their children: Sarah (Matt) Roberts and Luke (Amber) Perdue

-The late John C.T. (Brenda) Dodgen and their children: Brandon (Julie) Dodgen, Taylor (Rachael) Dodgen, Nealy Ann (Jason) Meador, Thomas (Carolina) Dodgen, Alexandria (Ben) Erney, Annaliese Dodgen and Chloe Dodgen

-Lori Ann (John) Downing and their children: the late Emily Kate Downing, Ryan (Allie) Downing, Kirsten Downing and David Downing

A memorial service honoring Wanda’s life will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 with a Visitation at 10 AM and Service at 11 AM at New Hope Community Church in Williamsburg, Michigan which is near Traverse City, Michigan with Senior Pastor Craig Trierweiler officiating. Her internment will be in Fort Dodge, Iowa at North Lawn Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Wanda’s name to Samaritans Purse or the Missions Committee at New Hope Community Church.

Wanda’s love, faith and strength will live on in all who knew her and she will be greatly missed!