Gail Hodgins

Roland “Gail” Hodgins, 84, of Fargo, North Dakota, formerly of Hannah, North Dakota passed away October 21, 2023 at the Hillsboro Care Center after battling dementia for several years. Gail was born in Sarles, North Dakota on May 4, 1939 at his Aunt Vera (Hodgins) Estenson’s house to the late Franklin “Dale” Hodgins and Mary (Nickerson) Hodgins. He grew up in Hannah, North Dakota, graduating in 1958 from Hannah High School. He graduated in 1960 from the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota as a Diesel Mechanic. Gail returned home to farm with his Dad.  His Dad passed away when Gail was only 22, Gail then took over the farming operation.  Gail married Pat Sherratt on June 17, 1962 at the Sarles Presbyterian Church. They made their home on the “Townline”,  4 miles west of Hannah on the Hodgins Echo Farm, where they raised their 3 daughters.

Throughout his life, Gail was active in the Hannah community. He served on the Hannah Community Club, Hannah Centennial committee, and Byron Township Assessor. Gail was an active member with the Masonic Lodges in Hannah, Sarles, and Langdon. In addition, he was the Grand Master for the state of North Dakota in 1987-88. He was also a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite and a Kem Temple Shriner. He loved to drive the little “49er” car with the Langdon Shrine Unit in parades. 

Gail worked at the Nekoma Missile Site while it was being built in the late 70s. He also was involved with the Cavalier County Sheriff’s Department as a special deputy. He would work at dances and sometimes do patrol work.

Gail loved being a farmer, you would see him walking in the wheat fields checking the seeds in the fall. He trained all three of his girls to work in the field alongside him. Dad was patient in teaching us on the farm. He instilled in all of us the “you can do this” attitude, especially when it was something new. 

Gail enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s school activities, from music and dance performances to sports activities.

Gail is survived by his three children, Carla (Brian) Haaven Buchholtz, Grand Forks, ND, Steph (Vince) Hodgins-Lentz, Christine, ND, and Allison (Jefferson) Bey, Battle Creek, Michigan; one brother Lynn (Gwen) Hodgins, Devils Lake, ND ; seven grandchildren, Samantha (Garrison) Sunderland, Battle Creek, Michigan, Megan (Matt) Bauduin, Fargo, ND, Jon Haaven, Grand Forks, ND,  Julia Magnus, Michigan, Hannah Lentz, Fargo, ND, Hunter Lentz, Fargo, ND and Gabriella Bey, Battle Creek, Michigan; three great-grandchildren Kaius Sunderland and Amara Sunderland, and Greta Bauduin, and baby boy Bauduin in November. He also had many special First Cousins.

Gail was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, his wife Pat, and an infant great granddaughter, Ilara Sunderland.

A private family Masonic service will be held at the Hannah Cemetery, where he will be buried with his family.