Marlyn Dodge, age 65, of Blooming Prairie, died Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2003, at the Owatonna Hospital.

Marlyn Clayton Dodge was born April 22, 1938, in Blue Earth County to John Melborn Scott and Evelyn (Dahms) Dodge. After graduating from Winnebago High School, he went into the Navy. Following discharge he returned to Winnebago where he worked at Lovell Construction from 1960 to 1969.

Marlyn married Pat Severns in 1961. They were later divorced. In 1989, he married Ella Drees. Marlyn decided to go into farming, moved to Sargeant and in 1970 moved to Blooming Prairie where he lived on his farm and in 1992 began work at Prairie Manor Nursing Home. A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he recently joined the American Legion. He liked to talk, discuss things and debate politics. He loved to be on the farm, loved his family, enjoyed nature and liked interacting with the residents of Prairie Manor.

Surviving are his wife, Ella; six sons: Anthony (Caroyl) Dodge of St. Jacob, Ill., Keith Dodge, Allen Drees Jr. and Todd (Cristi) Drees, all of Blooming Prairie. Philip Drees of Claremont, and Richard Drees of Blooming Prairie; two daughters: Donna (Mark) Perkins of Deer Park, Wis., and Katie Drees of Blooming Prairie; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Marlene (Mildon) Arndt of Guckeen; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Marie Hendrickson.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today, June 5, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with the Rev. Richard Hegal and the Rev. Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Friends called at Worlein-Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, and at the church one hour before the service.