Darlene Hodgson

Darlene Hodgson, 87, of Gettysburg, passed away Friday, May 11, 2018 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen.

Funeral services was held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Rev. Jeff Adel presiding. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services.

Darlene Elaine Hins was born July 16, 1930, to John Hins Jr. and Hulda (Hille) Hins in Wessington Springs, SD. She attended rural elementary school, Wessington Springs High School, and Wessington Springs College. She married Charles Maynard Hodgson on July 24, 1949 at Wessington Springs, SD. They moved to Pierre in 1950 and to Gettysburg in 1951. Most recently she was a resident at the Golden Living Center in Ipswich, SD.

For many years, Darlene taught rural elementary school and piano lessons. As an accomplished cook and baker, she catered many community and family events. Darlene loved to crochet, sharing her beautiful blankets and other creations with family and friends. For many years, she lovingly made crocheted baby blankets for families in the Gettysburg area. She enjoyed reading and playing games with her family and friends.

Darlene received many awards and was involved in several activities and organizations. She was a member of: Government Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, Board of Directors of the ARC of South Dakota, Board of Directors of ARC at Oahe, United Methodist Church (Friendship Circle, Bell Choir and Administrative Board) and Potter County Fair Board. She was Secretary and Member of the United Methodist Women and Past President of the Potter County Republican Women. She received the ARC of South Dakota Volunteer of the Year Award (1995) and Non Legionnaire Award of the Year.

Darlene is survived by two daughters and four sons: Judy (Tom) Penney of Omaha, NE, Julie Ford of Aberdeen, SD, Jim (Lynn) Hodgson of Lemmon, SD, Jerry (Kathi) Hodgson of Dillsburg, PA, Jeffrey Hodgson (Emilio Surian) of Miami, FL and John Hodgson of Pierre, SD; eight grandchildren: Michael (Paulina) Penney, Christopher (Lindsey) Penney , Carrie Ford, Kelly Ford, Bob (Chez) Hodgson, Dave (Justeen) Hodgson, Nathanial Hodgson and Jacob Hodgson; five great grandchildren: Tucker and Cash Penney, Dawson and Hayden Hodgson and Beriah Hodgson.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, her parents and five sisters.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Darlene’s arrangements.