NORA SPRINGS — William “Bill” Maurice Dodge, 90, of Nora Springs, a lifelong farmer, accomplished horseman and devoted family man whose love of the land was matched only by his affection for those closest to him, passed away Friday, November 6, 2026, at his family farm, surrounded by his loved ones.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye Avenue in Nora Springs. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at the chapel.
Bill was born April 12, 1936, in Fredericksburg, Iowa, the son of Maurice and Grace (Tanner) Dodge. He attended high school in Rock Falls and grew up with an appreciation for the farming lifestyle that would shape his entire life.
On September 22, 1956, Bill married Bonnie Arndt, beginning a marriage that would span 70 years. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, family and the rural Iowa traditions they cherished.
The couple lived on several farms before settling in the Rock Falls area, where they established their longtime home and raised four children: Cindy, Karen, Kevin and Billi Ka.
For Bill, farming was never simply an occupation. It was a lifelong calling.
He dedicated his years to working the land, caring for livestock and maintaining the farm that became the center of his family’s life. Even as he grew older, he continued finding reasons to be outdoors and involved in the work he loved.
His passion for horses was equally important.
Bill developed a reputation as a skilled horseman, spending decades raising, breaking, training and selling hundreds of horses. His knowledge and natural ability with the animals earned him respect throughout the horse community.
He also spent many years competing in rodeos, collecting numerous awards and accomplishments.
Some of his most cherished experiences, however, came from showing horses alongside his children. He passed along his knowledge and enthusiasm, creating memories that connected his family through their shared appreciation for horses.
In addition to farming and working with horses, Bill spent much of his career delivering freight for Takin Freight, KTS and H&W.
Known for his dependable work ethic, he approached those responsibilities with the same determination and dedication he brought to farm life.
After retirement, Bill enjoyed working alongside his good friend Jay McDonough. Retirement, however, never meant completely stepping away from the farm.
He continued raising horses and staying involved in agricultural work well into his later years.
Away from work, Bill had another pastime that brought him plenty of enjoyment — visiting Diamond Jo Casino.
He particularly enjoyed playing the Black Tie slot machine and delighted in showing family members photographs of his jackpots. Those pictures became part of the good-natured humor and stories that accompanied his visits with loved ones.
Yet for all his interests, nothing meant more to Bill than family.
His children and grandchildren knew him as someone who welcomed them enthusiastically and took genuine interest in their lives. He celebrated accomplishments, enjoyed hearing their stories and made those around him feel appreciated.
Bill was especially devoted to his grandchildren, Amanda, Andi Lee, Jacob and Gage, and took tremendous joy in his great-grandchildren.
Harper, Hailey, Mila, Luke and Lane held a special place in his heart. He also loved hearing about Keaden and Kinley’s school activities, sporting accomplishments and other milestones.
Whether the occasion was a major celebration or an ordinary family visit, Bill valued being together.
His family recalled that he never needed elaborate plans or special occasions to be happy. Time with the people he loved, conversations about their lives and the opportunity to watch younger generations grow were among his greatest pleasures.
The family he and Bonnie built over seven decades remained his proudest accomplishment.
Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Bonnie Dodge, and their four children: Cindy (Rick) Bever, Karen (Toby) Achenbach, Kevin Dodge and Billi Ka Dodge.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amanda (Jared) Bahnsen, Andi Lee (Justin) Stewart, Jacob Shafer and Gage (Tammi) Shafer.
His surviving great-grandchildren include Keaden and Kinley Bahnsen, Harper and Hailey Kavanaugh, Mila Stewart, and Lane and Luke Shafer.
Bill’s family also includes Calvin, Renee and Jocelyn Kavanaugh, whom the family recognizes as loved ones.
He is further survived by his siblings, Marjorie Showalter, Jim (Delores) Dodge, Kathryn Deets, Kathlene Hillman and Bonnie Gail Corkery.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Grace Dodge; his brothers, Dick and Jerry Dodge; and his son-in-law, Mark Achenbach.
His passing marks the loss of a man whose 90 years were filled with honest work, deep family connections, a lifelong appreciation for horses and a special ability to make his loved ones feel important.
The fields he cultivated, the horses he trained and the memories he created with generations of family members remain part of a legacy that will endure.
Those wishing to share condolences, memories or learn more about funeral arrangements may visit William “Bill” Dodge’s obituary at Colonial Chapels.
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