Garry grew up on the Hodgin family farm in northeast Lancaster County, Nebraska. He shared his childhood with his twin brother Jerry, older sister Elaine, and eldest sibling, Daryl. Garry’s birth, along with his twin brother’s, marked a turning point for the Hodgin family after enduring years of devastating drought, hail, and locust infestations. Their modest two-bedroom home, heated by a wood-burning stove, lacked electricity and indoor plumbing until the early 1950s. Despite these challenges, Garry’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of resilience, resourcefulness, and a strong work ethic.
As children, the Hodgin siblings participated in 4-H, showcasing cattle at the Nebraska State Fair under their father Clyde’s guidance. They attended a one-room schoolhouse at Saunders County District 41 and joined their parents for Sunday services at Cedar Hill Church, just half a mile from the farm.
It should be noted that his characteristic of being ornery was present even in high school, in his senior year book he bequeathed “his ability to make trouble” to a freshman by the name of Dan McGill, with the accompanying advice…”just don’t let them catch you”.
Garry graduated from Ashland High School in 1957 and went on to earn a degree in auto body and fender repair from Southeast Community College in Milford.
In 1959, Garry met Virginia Miller at a roller-skating rink, and they married the same year. Together, they welcomed three sons: Delwin (1959), Daniel (1961), and Russell (1972). Tragically, Garry endured the loss of his middle son, Daniel, in 1984, followed by a divorce from Virginia.
In 1988, Garry’s family grew with the marriage of his eldest son, Delwin, to Penny Johnson. He cherished his role as a grandfather to Evan (born 1992) and Eric (born 1998), often assisting with pinewood derby cars for their scouting adventures.
Garry found companionship later in life, marrying Chelys Applebee in 1987, though the relationship did not last. Ruth Bennett also became a significant figure in his later years. As a father, Garry enjoyed playing baseball with his sons and grandsons and teaching them practical skills through handyman projects.
The family embarked on vacations to destinations like Colorado, South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park, where fishing, hiking, and camping became cherished memories. Garry’s professional career reflected his knack for fixing and understanding machines, with roles at National Manufacturing, Burlington Railroad, Nebraska Public Power, the Lincoln Journal Star, Gooch Milling, and FMA Realty. Even after retirement, Garry continued working, managing a parking garage at US Bank Building in Lincoln right up through the age of 82. A Master Mason and long-time member of East Lincoln Lodge No. 210.
Garry’s love for cars extended throughout his life. From his red-and-white 1955 Ford Fairlane, 1955 Chevy, Cushman 3-wheel Truckster to his Crosley microcars, his passion for tinkering and repairing was unmatched. His machinist skills, honed alongside his brother Daryl at Hodgin Machine Shop, further exemplified his ingenuity.
In 2001, Garry faced a significant health challenge with a cancer diagnosis, undergoing aggressive treatments years later. Despite these hurdles, he maintained his quiet strength and frugal, self-reliant nature. He enjoyed daily walks, Friday coffee dates, caring for his neighbors, often times sitting next door helping to feed the squirrels.
Garry is preceded in death by his son Daniel, parents Clyde and Buanta, brother Daryl and sister-in-law Donna. He is survived by sons Delwin (Penny) Hodgin of Lincoln and Russell (Linda Norris) Hodgin of Portland, Oregon; grandsons Evan Hodgin and Eric (Kate Mason) Hodgin all of Lincoln; sister Elaine (Lonnie Folsom) of San Diego, California; brother Jerry Hodgin of Gretna; sister-in-law Barb Hodgin of Lincoln; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Garry was a kind and resourceful man who could fix almost anything. He will be remembered for his generosity, quiet humor, love for his family, and the enduring impact he had on those around him.
Funeral service: 10:30 am Saturday, January 18, 2025, Cedar Hill Methodist Church, 23001 N. 162nd St., Ashland, NE.
Visitation with family present on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 4-7 pm at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ St.
Memorials to Cedar Hill Methodist Church or Nebraska’s Children’s Home.