Obituary Photo for Dean R. Hodson

Events

Viewing

Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary

2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

Friday Apr 18, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Viewing

Cottonwood Creek 3rd Ward

1535 East Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84093

Saturday Apr 19, 2025 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Funeral Service

Cottonwood Creek 3rd Ward

1535 East Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84093

Saturday Apr 19, 2025 11:00 AM

Graveside

Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery

2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

Saturday Apr 19, 2025 12:30 PM

Listen to Obituary

Dean R. Hodson, our beloved father, grandfather and husband, passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2025, with his lovely second wife, Julie, at his side. He returns home to many loved ones who have passed on before, including his lifelong companion and eternal sweetheart, “Pamcakes.” We know their reunion was one of great celebration and joy.

Dean was born October 13th, 1942 in Ogden, Utah to Allen Hodson and Lavora Mary Rawlins. He was a middle child and often felt like he had to try harder to be seen but his way of standing out was by always trying to do what was right. His mother wrote that Dean never gave her any trouble and that he always treated both his parents with respect and love. He graduated from Davis High School and went on to serve an LDS mission in the Eastern States Mission in New York, October of 1961 and then on to Utah State University where he started his college education.

Dean loved his friends and enjoyed having a good time with them but he was committed to keeping the commandments and covenants of the church. Dean was preparing himself for what he called “the most significant event in my life,” the day he met Pam Sonntag during his junior year of college. He was forever grateful to one of his closest friends for asking Pam out on a date and inviting him along. Pam and Dean were married in the Salt Lake Temple June 9, 1966, two years before Dean graduated from the University of Utah with a Masters Degree in Geography in 1968. Shortly thereafter, his young family including, two toddlers, traveled across the country, in a red Mustang convertible, to Michigan State University where he earned his PhD.

Dean’s growing family then moved to Texas and onto Louisiana where he taught college Geography before they decided to move home to Salt Lake City where he went into his wife’s father’s jewelry business, Philip & Co.

Dean and Pam raised eight children in the shadows of the Wasatch. He loved to fish in the mountain lakes and rivers, camp with his boys, take drives with Pam and spend time with his girls and looked forward to their weekly lunch dates. His daughters looked up to him, leaned on him, took their joys and heartaches to him. Dean was a wonderful father and will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren but especially his girls.

Over the years, Dean served in numerous church callings, including Bishoprics, Bishop, Stake Presidencies and the Inner City Mission President with his wife. However, his favorite years serving the church were with Pam and his two youngest daughters, Marianne and Megan in Melbourne, Australia where he served as Mission President. Together, both he and Pam created lasting relationships with their missionaries and were considered spiritual giants. Dean, known far and wide for his giant bear hugs and encouraging words leaves a tender spot in many hearts.

Concluding his last testimony to his missionaries, Dean said, “I love you, I love you. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for being missionaries. Keep the faith, keep the faith.” We all hear your message Dean. We have all felt your loving embrace and we listen to your words.

Dean is survived by his wife, Julie Oyler Hodson, his children Michael (Sharon) Hodson, Matthew (Rachael) Hodson, Mark (Jodi) Hodson, Melissa (Eric) Butikofer, Michelle (Blake) Poulton, Marci Bradley, Marianne (Ben) Feinauer, Megan (Greg) Davis, 23 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, brother Jerry (Anna) Hodson and sister Colleen Hodson Frost.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Church of Jesus Christ Missionary Fund.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00am, at the Cottonwood Creek 3rd Ward building, located at 1535 East Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84093. A viewing will be held Friday, April 18, 2025 at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Another viewing will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the church building prior to the funeral service from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.

To join the funeral service virtually please click on the above “Watch Services” button.

Video

Guestbook/Condolences

My heart is full as I send my deepest condolences at the passing of President Hodson. He was a remarkable man—strong, fair, and full of love for the missionaries he led and served. His example of steady faith and righteous leadership left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
I know I was a thorn in his side, but he loved me nonetheless.

President Hodson’s strength as a Mission President was matched only by the kindness and wisdom he extended to everyone he served. He led with humility and purpose, always striving to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. So many lives were uplifted and changed under his guidance.

While his presence here will be dearly missed, I find comfort in the thought that he is now reunited with his loved ones who have gone before, especially his eternal companion. What a beautiful and joyful reunion that must be. The legacy of love, faith, and service he leaves behind will continue to bless generations.

May peace and sweet memories surround you during this time.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Conquest Craig

- Conquest Craig

What an amazing man! I can’t say enough about his goodness and have so many wonderful memories of hanging out at the Hodson home with Pam and Dean. He was so kind, accepting of all, always willing to listen and made every youth activity memorable and fun. He will be missed indeed. Love to all the Hodson Family.

- Carrie Jensen Lowe

I am so sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. He was a wonderful man. Full of faith and generosity! I will never forget his kindness towards my husband and I rescuing us as we were visiting SLC in a snow storm and took us out to dinner and showed us around town! Dean and Julie also hosted our daughter in need of a place to stay on a trip and helped inspire her to prepare for a mission because of his testimony and experience as mission president in Australia! May you have the peace and strength of the Savior at this time of need.

- Katie Hinchcliff

We are so sorry for your loss.

- Bill & Kim Leslie

I have wonderful memories of Dean Hodson. He was our bishop when my parents, Bob and Sue Manookin moved to Louisiana. Dean and Pam Hodson were kind and welcoming to our family. My mom passed away after the Hodson family moved back to Utah. Bishop Hodson spoke at my mom's funeral in Utah. He later helped me and my soon to be husband purchase a wedding ring. He's a great man! I'm sorry for your loss, losing a parent is never easy. Heaven bless you as you celebrate the life of this remarkable man.

- Toni Manookin Beard

It was my blessing and privilege to serve with Dean and Pam in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission, where he was my first counselor. I remember when I sat down with them to extend the call and he said, "President, we're church-broke." In other words, they served by covenant. What a wonderful team they were. On several occasions, many of their children came to serve with them - preparing delicious food. Dean taught doctrine with power, love and kindness. In so many way he seemed to model his life after the Savior. His love for Pam and their family was obvious. I will always be grateful for his example of dedication and devotion. We would all be better people if we could be like Dean Hodson!!

- STEVE HANSEN

Shelly and Mark, I'm so sorry for your loss; my heart aches for your sorrow.. I hope you can find peace and comfort in your memories of an amazing father. I so appreciated his kindness to me, his joy in life, and his sense of humor. I'll carry you and all of your siblings and family in my heart ; you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

- Rachel Tueller

We are so grateful we could Zoom Dean's funeral. It was a beautiful tribute to a try humble, kind, thoughtful man. We were blessed to know him.

- Sue Ann and Steve Alder

Papa Hodson, I know you have touched many lives, and one of those is mine. You shown me how a man and a father should be. Each time I see you, you give me a great big bear hug. Only those who have been privileged enough to receive it know how it feels. It's a. feeling of comfort, love, care, warmth all in one hug. I miss you and I'm sorry I never made it to the U. S. to see you and receive one more of those warm big bear hugs.

I've leaned a lot from you on how to be a good person, a faithful latter day saint, and what a leader should be.

One of them is giving us impromptu talks that we all wish and hope we never get picked but it was amazing because it has taught me so much each zone conference and to this day. I think about it and remember and use this as a guiding principle when I give talks.

My condolences to your family at this time...

Loving you always,
Cancy Bernardo.

- Cancy Bernardo

Dear Hodsiin Family -

When we were first married we had the privilege of having Dean as our Bishop and we came to know him as a man of God and a great friend. Dean and Pam were just what we needed and the MP 1st Ward needed. We have thought of his influence and great example to us throughout our married life. May God be with you as you honor and miss your wonderful father. - Todd and Liz Stevens

- Todd & Liz Stevens

You are so much in my prayers. I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Dean was clearly a very special man, I very much enjoyed speaking with him as well. I hope you are surrounded by family and friends this weekend, I expect you are. Sending one wishes come Florida and thinking of you today on Easter Sunday.

- Dear Julie,

You are so much in my prayers. I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Dean was clearly a very special man, I very much enjoyed speaking with him as well. I hope you are surrounded by family and friends this weekend, I expect you are. Sending warm wishes from Florida and thinking of you today on Easter Sunday.

- Dear Julie,

Dean and Pam were dear neighbors and friends for many years. He was such a kind man and we loved him. Sending our love to all his children, whom we love as well. Valerie Lambert and family

- Valerie Lambert

Oh my goodness I just saw this. Bishop Hodson was my very favorite bishop and one I was comfortable going to with any problem. What a wonderful man and a wonderful family. He will be missed by many.

- Nancy Paramore