He was born on August 27, 1947 in Sterling, the son of Eugene and Lucille (Shearer) Dodd and attended Rock Falls Schools. Rick married the former Darlene Morgan on October 7, 1997. He was employed by Millwright Local 2158 as a millwright for over 30 years . After retiring, to fulfill a lifelong dream, he and Darlene moved to the State of Wyoming in 2007. There they enjoyed not only the mountainous views and never-ending sky, they also hunted and built many everlasting friendships. They returned to back to their homeland of Rock Falls in 2018. Rick had enjoyed hunting, riding his motorcycle and was a founding member of the Who Else Club in Nelson, from which he recently retired. Each Thursday he attended his “anger management group” with his friends. Although known for his rough and witty exterior, those that he loved, he loved hard.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene; their children: Jodi (Michael) Meier of Prophetstown, Kasie Dodd (Laramie Wall) of Iowa City, Mark (Emily) Dodd of Mount Carroll and Shayla (David) Deppe of Prophetstown; 13 grandchildren: Yvette, Evan, Kenley, Emma, Izzy, Oli, Kaden, Brenna, Ellie, Matthew, Tucker, Lynlee, and Clara; two great grandchildren: Nora and Ezra; his sisters: Marilou Hohlen and Marilyn (Gary) Bauer both of Sterling; his brother Robert Dodd of Sterling; and his faithful companion “Tripp” and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering of friends and family will take place on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 1-3 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1002 12th Avenue in Rock Falls with a small gathering at K’s Korners, Sterling after visitation.
Condolences can be shared at mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
