Delores Hodgson

Madison- Delores M. "Lori" Hodgson, age 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours of February 19, 2016.

Lori was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on June 24th, 1931, the daughter of Helmuth Uttech and Norma (Greger) Uttech. She graduated from Sheboygan North High School class of 1949. Following High School, Lori attended the Wisconsin State Teaching College in Milwaukee graduating with Bachelors Degree in Education followed by earning a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During her time at the University and while living in Milwaukee Lori was a member of the Chi Sigma Lambda Sorority and worked earning money for school by singing classical and religious music as a soloist at weddings and other events as well as working as a fashion model and as an operator for Bell Telephone Company. Following college, Lori moved to Madison, Wisconsin and began work as a Social Sciences teacher in the Madison School District, teaching primarily at Midvale Elementary School from 1956-1967. She continued as a substitute teacher into the 1980s working part-time in the Madison and Verona School districts. One of her first days in Madison during the winter of 1956 she met her future husband, John B. Hodgson. The two were married June 22nd, 1957 and enjoyed 55 years of marriage together until the passing of John in 2012. Lori was a quiet individual who appreciated the value of education and was a life-long believer in continued learning and a responsibility to share knowledge through the teaching of others. She was an early advocate in civil and women's rights and remained committed to equal pay and rights for all individuals throughout her life. One of her greatest gifts and joys in life was music and her ability to sing classical works such as Schubert's "Ava Maria". This led to her performing as soloist beginning at the age of 16 and producing several recordings of religious and classical music while living in Sheboygan and Milwaukee. During her time fully employed as a teacher, Lori continued to follow her life-long passion for music acting as a soloist in church choirs and performing for special events. Lori also was active as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the Oakwood Nursing Home.

Lori is survived by her son; John G. and her daughter-in-law Miriam. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents; her sister Ruth (Harold) Hendricks, her brother Robert and many close friends. The family gives its sincere thanks to Kathleen Larsen for her selfless commitment and friendship in caring for Lori during the past 7 years and to Agrace caregivers. A visitation and casual meeting of friends and family will begin at 10 AM, followed by Funeral Services at 11:00 AM Wed., Feb.24, 2016 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434