David A. Dodgen

David Alan Dodgen, 74, of Humboldt, passed away on Monday morning, March 24, 2025 at Methodist Clinic, Mayo Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dave was born to Joe W. Dodgen and Dorothy M. (Armstrong) Dodgen on September 23, 1950 in Sioux City, Iowa. The family moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1958 for two years, then to Fort Dodge, Iowa until 1962, when the family moved to Humboldt.

Dave married his high school sweetheart, Deborah Johnson on September 20, 1969. To this union of 55 years, they were blessed with three sons.

Dave worked hard to build his career and provide for his family. Starting with Sande Construction in 1969, he then made a transition to forming his own crew in part of the construction of Farm Egg, south of Humboldt. He moved into the insurance business, working during the day with Worthington Insurance and taking night classes to further his education. Dave later joined his father in forming a business that was eventually known as Growthland Ag Realty. Dave gained knowledge of building, operating, appraisal, and sales of large-scale livestock operations and became an expert in that field, known throughout the Midwest.

Dave was a man of faith and served in many capacities and positions within the Faith United Methodist Church. He proudly served his community on the Humboldt County Housing Development Corporation and Humboldt Airport Commission for over 35 years.

Dave was a member of American Bonanza Society, Jaycee’s, and a long-time member of Humboldt Rotary Club, serving as president and heading up the Annual Fly-in since 2001.

Dave enjoyed the fruits of his labor by enjoying many activities with his family and friends including: skiing, fishing, hunting, golfing, travel, spending time at his cabin in northeast Iowa, and most importantly attending and supporting his grandchildren’s events. He had a passion for flying his airplane, obtaining his private license in 1976, earning his instrument rating in 1983, and accumulating over 3,000 hours of flight time in his 49 years of being a pilot. Dave also enjoyed playing his guitar, performing in the Castle Theatre, doing yard work, and in recent years woodworking with one of his closest friends.

Dave is survived by his wife, Deb; three sons, Doug and Lynn (Grebe) Dodgen of Story City, IA, Neil and Michelle (Mertens) Dodgen of Guttenberg, IA, and Joel and Lisa (Tapper) Dodgen of Humboldt, IA; grandchildren, Spencer, Carson, Joe, Jacqueline, Otto, and Imogene Dodgen; siblings, Susan (Ray) Vought of Gardena, CA and Bill (Cindy) Dodgen of Denver, NC; sister-in-laws, Kay Miller of Naples, FL, Alyce (Chuck) Hultman of The Villages, FL, and Jennifer (Paul) Krommenhoek of Alamo, CA. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved dog, Tassie.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Dorothy Dodgen; in-laws, Russell and Lillian Johnson; and brother-in-law, Bob Miller; and nephew, Todd Olson.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7th at Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6th at Faith United Methodist. Burial will be later in Union Cemetery, Humboldt. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service of Humboldt is in charge of the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com