Timothy M. Dodge
Timothy Michael Dodge
July 13th, 1982 – December 18th, 2025
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Tim Dodge for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. His service began with Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down,” a fitting song to honor Tim’s positivity through decades long adversity. It was an honor to learn about Tim and to serve his family. He will be dearly missed by many.
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Time and loss are very difficult concepts to comprehend. It may take months or even years to sort through all the details and reach any depth of understanding- especially the “why now.” Why right before Christmas? As we reflect on Tim’s 43 years, it may feel like it all went by far too quickly. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, know that it was an absolute blessing to have had Tim present on this earth for over 4 decades. His time here was a precious gift, and maybe that’s the why now. Tim gave you the ultimate gift. All of the precious time and love he had to give- he gave it all- a bittersweet reminder of the spirit of Christmas. When your world is feeling a little too empty, may you fill it with gratitude that your time here overlapped with Tim’s and that you were blessed to know him.
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Tim was born on July 13th, 1982. Tim was a vibrant soul whose spirit touched everyone around him. Tim’s life was a tapestry of laughter and humor. He had a unique ability to light up a room with his warmth and positive energy. Friends and family alike will remember his infectious smile and the way he made even the simplest moments feel extraordinary.
Since he was young, Tim suffered from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His mom and dad were his loving and dedicated caregivers throughout his entire life. It took courage beyond what most of us can comprehend for Tim to fight this disease, but he never complained. He’d say with steadfast positivity, “You get what you get or you’ll have nothing.” And that is incredible. It’s more than incredible, it’s honorable, it’s enlightened, it’s a message we all need to learn.
Tim enjoyed making light of things and delivered his humorous statements with ease. When drinking his Ensure, he’d say, “Tastes like a hamburger.” And, despite his own struggles, he was so grateful for all that he did have. He’d say, “If you think you’ve got a problem, turn on the news.”
With courage and strength, Tim graduated from high school and experienced all that he could. His parents made sure to do things with Tim before his abilities were gone. They went fishing and to sports card shops. There was a summer while he could still walk that they went to the beach every day. Such precious moments embracing life.
Tim enjoyed collecting football cards with his dad. Everyone would say that Tim was so lucky because he was always getting the great cards and the extra autographs. Tim loved playing computer games and listening to music with his mom. In the summer, he would watch the hummingbirds outside his bedroom window until they left in October. The birds were regular visitors several times a day. He also enjoyed spending time with his sister, Deanna. They shared many of the same interests, especially hummingbirds. His dogs were a big part of his life, and there were lots of dogs over the years. He was a big Dallas Cowboys fan and could watch football all day with his dad. When he was younger, the Great Lakes Dragaway was the place to be, and the family has lots of fun memories of those days.
When Tim was in 6th grade, the Make-A-Wish Foundation sent his family to Orlando, FL to meet Shaquille O’Neal and to visit Disney World, Sea World, and Planet Hollywood. That was a fantastic and memorable experience for his family.
There are countless stories to tell and memories to relive. I invite you to continue to share the memories, share the love today and in the days and years to come. Learn the lessons, look to the good times, and carry forth Tim’s legacy of courage, positivity, and love.
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Tim will be forever loved and missed by his parents Mike and Sandy, his sister Deanna, and many other dear family members and friends.
The family extends sincere gratitude to Tim’s entire medical team for all the dedicated support and care they gave to him and the family.
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For all of you, especially Mike and Sandy:
May the sun bring you new energy every day, bringing light into the darkness of your soul. May the moon softly restore you by night, bathing you in the glow of restful sleep and peaceful dreams. May the rain wash away your worries and cleanse the hurt that sits in your heart. May the breeze blow new strength into your being, and may you believe in the courage of yourself. May you walk gently through the world, keeping your loved one with you always knowing that you are never parted in the beating of your heart
And may we all be more like Tim: courageous, positive, grateful for all we do have. May we embrace our precious time and do the things we can while we can. And take time to watch the hummingbirds.
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Tim, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly