Richard L Hodges

Richard L Hodges

June 24, 1935 - January 14, 2026

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON - Richard L. Hodges, age 90, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on June 24, 1935, in Madison, the son of Irvin Hodges and Delores (Pieper) Chisman.


Dick graduated from Madison Central High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country from September 1954 to July 1958.


On November 15, 1958, Dick married Marlyn Brazee in Madison, Wis. Dick and Mar were married for 67 years. He took his vows of sickness and in health very seriously, caring for Marlyn at home during her 17-year illness with Alzheimer's.


Dick began his career in Law Enforcement with the Dane County Traffic Police in July 1961. Dane County Traffic Police merged with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office in 1981. Dick continued to serve his community until he retired as a sergeant in March of 1990. After retirement he worked as a court aide and primary assistant for the Police Academy at MATC.


He and his wife were faithful members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.


Dick enjoyed camping and traveling. During his travels, he enjoyed biking, canoeing and playing cards. Many hours were spent playing Euchre and cribbage. During the holidays, he would routinely be seen at St. James Catholic Church making Pfeffernüsse, aka Pepper Nuts. During the winter months Dick loved going to Florida to see many friends and family. He also enjoyed his theater bus trips.


Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. There was nothing more important to him than his family.  


Dick is survived by his daughters, Laura (Robert) Beale, Marcy (Doug) Marquis and son, Jim (Sue) Hodges; grandchildren, Shannon (Brady) Neuman, Matt Beale, Trent (Meghan) Beale, Wade Beale, Morgan Marquis, Sydney Hodges, Drew (Nicole) Easland and Joshua Easland; great-grandchildren, Jameson, Kashton, Colt, Hazel, Leighton, Emerson and Quinten; and sister, Pat (Gabe) Colombe. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlyn Hodges; his grandchildren, Aaron Marquis, Ryan Marquis and Trey Easland; great-grandson, Beckam Neuman; parents, Delores and Irvin; and sister, Jean Carlisle. His beloved brother, Don Chisman passed away on January 13, 2026, just one day before Dick. They are in eternal peace together.  


A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Dick and Mar will be laid to rest at a later date.


The family would like to thank Diana Choles, MD of SSM Health, for all her compassion. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


Events

29
Visitation
Thu Jan 29, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
29
Memorial Service
Thu Jan 29, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Richard
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Richard
AH
A Memorial Tree was planted for Richard L Hodges
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
TB
Tony Balistreri
Other •
I feel honored to be the first person to post because Dick always put other people first. I had the privilege to work with Dick early in my career and later with his son Jim at DCSO. I can say with confidence there was no one in the Dane Co Traffic Police or the Dabe Co. Sheriff's Office that didn't have the utmost respect for Dick. His values, work ethic, knowledge and sense of humor were second to none. Traits I had the pleasure to see in his son Jim. After my retirement, I worked for St Mary's hospital in security. I was fortunate enough to see Dick (almost) on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it was for the wrong reason. His loving wife was very ill. The compassion and love he showed Marlyn will forever be ingrained in my mind. I feel so very fortunate to have know Dick. To Jim, Laura, Marcy and extended family please accept my sincere condolences!! Sincerely, Tony Balistreri
RC
Richard Dean Carlisle
Other •
You gave me wonderful memories to hold for the rest of my life. Your loving nephew
SB
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett
Other •
Dear Family and Friends of Richard Hodges, It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today on behalf of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Richard. As a dedicated servant of our community for 29 years, he exemplified the very best of what it means to protect and serve with integrity, courage, and compassion. Richard touched countless lives during his tenure with us, and even in retirement, his legacy of commitment and kindness continued to inspire those who knew him. We are grateful for the indelible mark he left on our sheriff’s office and the people we serve. In this time of profound loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything we can do to support you do not hesitate to reach out. With sincere sympathy, Sheriff Kalvin D. Barrett Dane County Sheriff’s Office
DM
Douglas Marquis
Other •
Best father-in-law a guy could have you were my second dad for 43 years! I will miss you a ton! I still see you sitting on your back patio having a miller light enjoying the sun!
LT
Lynne Toseff
Other •
My deepest condolences to the entire family on the passing of Richard. I lived in the Glendale neighborhood for many years about a block away from them. We have lost many of the old-timers over this past year for sure. They are probably all together planning some kind of a fundraiser to support God's work.

Memorial video

Share memorial