Sally Marden Dodge Reese, 94 years old, passed away September 9, 2024, at Shorewood Senior Campus, where she had resided since 2019.
Sally Marden Dodge was born August 21, 1930, to John W. and Clara (Roloson) Dodge of Marietta, Ohio. She grew up in Marietta, Ohio. After her father’s passing, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she graduated from North High School. After graduation she moved with her mother to Washington, D.C. and worked for the Federal Works Agency. She often told the story of walking to work and passing President Truman (at that time he was living in Blair House) on his way to work at the White House. He would tip his hat and wish them a good morning. Eventually, she returned to Athens, Ohio to attend and graduate from Ohio University. She then enrolled in the Mayo School of Physical Therapy receiving her certification in 1957.
William (Bill) Carl Reese, 91 years old, passed away April 29, 2020 at Shorewood Senior Campus where he had resided for a short time.
William was born April 16, 1929, in Rochester, Minn., to Thomas and Gusta (Knudson) Reese of Chatfield, Minn. He grew up in Chatfield, graduating from Chatfield High School. He worked alongside his father and brother at the local creamery before entering military service. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the Signal Corp in Korea. After his honorable discharge he returned to Chatfield.
Bill met his future wife, Sally Dodge, on a blind date set up by a friend. Sally had planned on more schooling and working in Sweden after becoming a physical therapist. Many letters were sent back and forth, eventually, Bill flew to Sweden, and they were married on August 18, 1960, in the Stockholm Cathedral.
They returned to Rochester, Minn., in 1960 where they made their home for over 60 years. Sally worked in the physical therapy department of Mayo Clinic until her retirement in 1995. Bill worked for Franklin Heating until his retirement in 1994.
Sally enjoyed reading and traveling. She visited China, Australia and several excursions to European countries. She and Bill drove the Alaskan Highway and spent time in Florida with Sally’s sister and husband. Bill enjoyed tinkering in his shop and fishing. He and his cousin made trips to Canada to land the big one. Sally did consent to go with him a few times, mostly reading in the boat. They both also enjoyed road trips to visit with family and friends in Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Arizona and Oklahoma. They had a core group of lifelong friends in Rochester. Both Sally and Bill were avid cat lovers, owning many cats throughout their lives, cat-sitting for friends and volunteering at Safe Haven.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Orville Reese; sister-in-law Alta (Borgen) Reese and a nephew. Sally was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother, John Dodge Jr; two sisters, Alice (Dodge) Thomas and Nancy (Dodge) Gibbs; as well as two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, two nephews and a niece.
Sally and Bill are survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Throughout their lives they remained steadfast in their love of family and friends, always present at family and friend gatherings, ready with a helping hand, good conversation and caring attitudes.
A visitation will be held from 12-2 pm on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Following the visitation, there will be a committal service at 2:30 p.m. at the Chatfield Cemetery, County Road 119 in Chatfield, Minn.
Bill was a lifelong Chatfield, Minn., VFW Post 6913 member and will receive military honors at his graveside.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Reese family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
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