Keith E. Dodge

Keith E. Dodge passed away June 15, 2014 at Golden Living Center in Cozad at the age of 84. Keith was born November 2, 1929 in Lexington, Nebraska to Millard and Cloreada (Selk) Dodge. Keith attended school at Lexington where he played on state champion football and basketball teams, graduating with the class of 1948. Following high school, he joined the Marine Reserves for 2 years, and the Lexington National Guard from 1950 to 1956. After his honorable discharge, Keith went to work at Nebraska Natural Gas Co. in Lexington. On November 11, 1951, Keith married Ardeth "Ardy" Mohr at United Methodist Church in Cozad. The couple was blessed with 2 sons, Steven and Larry. After 8 years with Nebraska Natural Gas Co., Keith started a propane branch for Bus & Del Station. In 1961, he became manager of a new branch of a Columbus based propane company at David City, NE. Keith and his family were at David City for 3 years. In that time the couple made many lasting friendships. Several of the men he befriended were exceptional golfers, encouraging Keith to join them in the game. He had caught the "golf bug", resulting in a love for the sport he and his family shared that lasted through the years. After three years of service in David City, Keith became Sales Manager of the home based company and moved the family to Columbus, NE before becoming Regional Sales Manager for Locke Sales (Warm Morning) out of Kansas City. In 1966, Keith and Ardy returned to Cozad to be closer to family where they happily settled. In September of 1981, the couple opened Ceaser's Lounge, a bar and grill in downtown Cozad named for the family's beloved dog. Keith was very competitive in all he took on, he loved all sports and never missed any of his boys' games. He played on bowling leagues at both Lexington and Cozad, and on a couples seniors league at Cozad with Gary and Joan Rice for several years. During his golfing career, Keith shot a hole-in-one at Lakeside Country Club at Johnson Lake as well Estes Park Country Club at Colorado. In 2005, Keith lofted hole-in-one shots on two different holes at Cozad Country Club on the same day, both with the same ball. The shots gained him statewide recognition. Keith maintained a small shop building at Cozad Country Club, where he sold and repaired golf carts for 13 years. He also worked seasonally as a grounds keeper and machine maintainer at Cozad Country Club before retiring completely in 2012. Keith relished time spent with his family and friends, especially early morning gin-rummy games and coffee with the guys at the golf course. He will be missed by many. Keith was preceded in death by his sister, Sharalyn Hukill; brother-in-laws, Dick Bowman, Doc Welliver, and Ronald Mohr. Keith is lovingly survived by his wife, Ardy Dodge of Cozad; 2 sons, Steven Dodge (wife Laurie) of North Platte and Larry Dodge (wife Jean) of Shawnee, KS; grandchildren, Stephanie, Aprile, Davis and Delaney; 2 great grandchildren Christian and Caden; brother Jim Dodge of Kearney; 2 sisters, Ellie Welliver of Lexington and Arlyn Bowman of DeWitt, IA, and brother-in-law Von Hukill of Clovis, TX. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial will be at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.