Larry Elbert Dodge

Larry E. Dodge, 88, of Waterloo, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics surrounded by his family.

Larry was born on October 22, 1936, in Topeka, KS, to Clifford and Dorthea (Johnson) Dodge. He graduated from Fremont High School in Fremont, IA, in 1955, and earned his bachelor's degree from William Penn College in 1959. On August 4, 1962, he married Barbara J. Knapp at First United Methodist Church in Waterloo.

Larry 's 36 years as an educator was spent teaching 5th and 6th grade in Paton, IA, Orange Township, and primarily in Waterloo Community Schools, retiring in 1996. Larry was a stage manager for Metro Community Concerts at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Larry also enjoyed spending summers mowing at the Arboretum. He was a longtime, active member of First United Methodist Church-Waterloo, where he served as the former President of the Administrative Board and former chairmen of trustees. He was a member of the Searches Sunday School Class and sang in the choir for 62 years. Larry served on the Landmark Commons Representative Counsel and was a life member of National Education Association (NEA), and member of the Retired School Personnel.

As an outdoors person, he loved camping and was the past district training chairperson for the local Boys Scouts chapter and co-leader of Explorer Post #555. Larry and Barbara loved to travel with their fifth wheel trailer as they went to all 50 states, 6 Canadian Providences, and traveled to foreign countries on cruises.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara Dodge of Waterloo; son, Steve (Brenda) Dodge of Iowa City; daughter, Julie Anderson of Waterloo; 6 grandchildren, Dillion (Kelsi) Anderson, Hayley Dodge, Alexia Anderson, Christian Anderson, Matthew, and Erica Dodge; and 2 great-grandchildren, Kobe, and Presley Anderson.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 614 Randolph St., Waterloo. Burial to follow at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.