Columbus, OH — Sam M. Hodgett, 88, died Oct. 3, 2024, at his home in rural Sheffield, Ill., with his daughters by his side.
He was born May 11, 1936, to George and Helen (Spears) in rural Mineral, Ill., and graduated from Mineral High School in 1954. He married the love of his life, Sandra (Gingrich), on Oct. 14, 1956, and they raised daughters Denise, Jeanette, Jill, and Christine.
Mr. Hodgett liked to tell people he lived three different lives — as a farmer, a musician, and a Standardbred driver.
Mr. Hodgett and his wife farmed in Bureau County, Ill., for over 50 years, where he taught his daughters that there was nothing more satisfying than looking back with pride at a clean field of soybeans after the family had walked the entire field ridding it of weeds. When not in the field, he also worked at the Mineral Elevator and the Kewanee Sale Barn.
He was also an accomplished musician, playing trumpet and singing in dance bands from the age of 11 with his grandfather’s family band, then with the Melody Five, and finally with his wife as “The Hodgetts.” They played for many dances and special occasions throughout Illinois and the Fort Myers, Fla., area and always took the opportunity to take to the dance floor whenever they weren’t the band playing that evening. When raising their daughters and later with their grandchildren, many nights and holidays would be spent in the music room in their home where the whole family would be playing and singing music.
Mr. Hodgett drove in almost 2,000 races at Illinois and Iowa county fairs, at the Illinois State Fair, and at pari-mutuel tracks throughout Illinois — most frequently at Quad City Downs in East Moline. He drove his last race at the Whiteside County Fair in 2005 and then had the honor of driving the starting car at many Illinois fair races for his good friend, Bob Groter.
Mr. Hodgett was a member of the Church of Peace in rural Kewanee, Bureau County Farm Bureau, USTA, and the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association. He also served his community as a member of the Illinois National Guard, the Mineral Township Board, and the Bureau County Fair Board.
He is survived by his daughters, Denise, Jeanette Cromien, Jill Marshall, and Christine (Shannon) Bumann; grandchildren, Maria (Sandy) Dimmer, Jack Bumann, Thomas Bumann and William Bumann; great-granddaughter, Pearl Dimmer; brother, Jim; sister, Sharon; sisters-in-law, Debbie and Carol (Mike) Bingaman; and many nieces, nephews, and other close relatives. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra; parents, George and Helen; brother, Gary; sister-in-law, Linda; brother-in-law, Michael Brewer; son-in-law, David Marshall; and grandson, Benjamin Cromien.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 14), followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m., both at the Church of Peace in rural Kewanee. This date was chosen as it would have been Sam and Sandra’s 68th wedding anniversary. Pastor Andrew Christman will officiate. Private burial will be at the Sheffield Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Galesburg OSF Home Health and Hospice or the Sheffield Rescue Unit.
Please leave an online condolence for Sam’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.