Obituary

Harold Henry Hodson Jr
March 20, 1939 - September 23, 2018

Harold Henry Hodson Jr

Harold Henry Hodson Jr
Mar 20, 1939 - Sep 23, 2018

Harold Henry Hodson Jr
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Dr. Harold Henry Hodson Jr., age 79, of Ankeny, IA died peacefully in the company of his family at the
Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, IA on September 23, 2018.

Harold was born on March 20, 1939 in Grand Forks, ND, son of Harold Henry Hodson Sr. and Elizabeth
(Wester) Hodson. He grew up on family farms there and in Adel and Waukee, IA, where he graduated
from high school. On December 26, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Dixie LaVonne Bonker.
After completing his BS in Animal Science and PhD in Animal Nutrition at Iowa State University in 1965,
he served in the U.S Air Force as Captain and head nutritionist for the space program's chimpanzee
colony. Harold returned to Iowa State in 1968 as a Swine Extension Specialist, and in 1971 moved to
Southern Illinois University to join the Animal Science faculty. His work there included pioneering
research in reproductive physiology and artificial insemination in swine. He was department chair from
1976 until 1981 and developed an international reputation consulting for the American Soybean
Association, US Feed Grain Council, and other organizations. Throughout his academic career, Harold
was a frequent judge at national, state, and local swine shows, and an advisor to agricultural
organizations such as Block and Bridle, Future Farmers of America, and 4H.

In 1981, Harold left academia to found Swine Genetics International (SGI) in Cambridge, IA, which he led
until his "semi-retirement." He remained active at SGI continuing to work with his many local, U.S., and
international partners--including the "Hodson Family", a consortium of swine producers in Japan.
Through his lifelong commitment to agricultural education and advancement, Harold was often
recognized for his service. He was awarded the 2015 Floyd Andre Award honoring Iowa State alumni
who have made significant contributions to agriculture. He was recognized by the Iowa Foundation for
Agricultural Advancement (IFAA) for being a dedicated board member and director of scholarships since
1990. He will be missed around the Iowa State Fair Swine Barn, and in the ring at the IFAA Sale of
Champions.

Harold cheered loudly for his beloved Iowa State Cyclones. He was a baseball fan, from coaching Little
League, to rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling.
Harold was most devoted to his family. He is survived by wife, Dixie; son, Mark (Elisabeth) Hodson;
daughter Robin (Mark) Hingtgen; daughter Michelle (Brian) Buhr; grandchildren Laurel and Tyler Buhr,
Megan and Zachary Hingtgen, and Maria and Sophia Hodson; and siblings LaVerne Jones, Carole
Barlean, Gale (Jeanne) Hodson, and Dean Hodson. He was preceded in death by his parents and
siblings Vernon Hodson, Viola Brown, Colleen Soper, and Francis Hodson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at St. Cecilia Catholic
Church, 2900 Hoover Ave., Ames, Iowa. A luncheon and celebration of life will follow in the church social
center.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.


In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to: Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement; Scholarship Awards, 3116 Evergreen Rd, Ames IA 50014
ISU Foundation; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Livestock Judging Team, P.O. Box 2230,
Ames, IA 50010

David Meisinger on Oct 6, 2018

I was so glad that I was able to be a part of the memorial service for Harold. As I said there, I owe my professional career to him as he was the one who inspired me obviously seeing potential that few others did. I owe him so much. He also taught me so much way back then and has been a great friend ever since. My condolences go out to Dixie and Mark, Robin, and Michelle and their families.

Gene & Marita Rouse on Oct 5, 2018

We have so many memories of Harold - he served on Gene's graduate school committee, raising & selling Rouse & Hodson Duroc pigs for many years, going to the 7th game of the World Series in St Louis. And probably no one has shared more memories with our three children (Adam, Paul, & Julie) than Harold did in the 4-H derby swine project. They affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Harold". Harold used the 4-H derby swine project to teach them how to produce pigs that represented "total swine production management" at the Story Co Fair and Iowa State Fair. Our family truly enjoyed and were proud to produce quality pigs that grew well. Adam, Paul, & Julie's winnings over the years were rewarding accomplishments for their hard work & educational learning that we're sure will benefit each of them through their entire lives.
We are grateful for his many years of friendship & impact Harold has had on our family. He will be missed.
As you grieve the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather, you have our sympathy, love & support.
The Rouse family


Doris Mohr on Oct 2, 2018

The Hodson family members were our great neighbors in west Ames. We have many, many fun memories of activities with the two families. Found this photo from about 1983 when Harold gave our daughter, Amy, a ride on his snowmobile.

Jim Males on Oct 1, 2018

Dixie and Family, Marcia and I were saddened to learn of Harold's death. The two of you were an important influence in our lives. We have found memories of the four years that were together in Carbondale. Our prayers are with you.
Jim and Marcia Males

Koichi Omura on Oct 1, 2018

We were deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Dr. Hadson passing.

Because of Dr. Hadson's great achievements, artificial insemination had widely adopted. Therefore, hog raising in Japan was significantly progressed.

Please accept my sincerest condolences. May he rest in peace.

POB
Koichi Omura

Shoki Hirano on Oct 1, 2018

Please add this photo in the slideshow during the funeral. Thanks.

Scott Wallenberg on Sep 30, 2018

Our sympathies to the Hodson family. Living with Mark at UofI we always looked forward to Mark's mom and dad visiting. It meant our freezer would be filled with pork .. Ground, chops, pork this and pork that. Great memories.

Our thoughts are with you,
Scott and Deb Wallenberg

Nancy Applegate on Sep 30, 2018

Hi Dixie. I was sorry to see you have lost Harold. Thinking and praying for for you and your family. Call me when you are ready. Take care. Nancy Applegate

John Farley on Sep 29, 2018

Hi Dixie,
I’m very sorry for your loss. You and Harold graciously kept some of us at your home after a fire at AGR in 1979. Harold was a great teacher of swine evaluation for our livestock judging team and was responsible for our 1978 team to be one of the best in the Nation.
I am forever grateful to Harold and you for your kindness. Take care Dixie.
All the Best
John Farley

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Oct
6
Saturday
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
2900 Hoover Ave
Ames, Iowa 50010
10:30 AM


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