Vernon M.D.

Dodson, MD, Vernon N.

MADISON - Vernon N. Dodson, MD, age 91, of Madison, Wis., died on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, in Madison, Wis., after a long illness.

He was born on Feb. 19, 1923 to Nathan Lester and Martha Elizabeth (Schmidt) Dodson in Benton Harbor, Mich. He attended Michigan State University until World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 with a rank of Private. He served in C Company, 81st Medical Battalion, 11th Armored Division ("The Fighting Thunderbolts") where he won the Bronze Star Medal, and was honorably discharged in 1945. After the War, he completed his education with a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan and an M.D. from Marquette University.

During his long career in Medicine, he held faculty appointments at the University of Michigan, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His distinguished career included clinical work, medical research, publications and teaching. He was a member of numerous professional societies and medical associations.

Although he was dedicated to the practice of medicine, his family was always first and foremost in his life. He loved to travel, had numerous hobbies, and enjoyed music, reading and Wolverine football.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; five children, Martha I. Dodson, Kathryn A. Levy (Jay Levy), Christine L. Dodson (Pieter Smeenk), John N. Dodson (Amy Anzia-Dodson), and Elizabeth M. Turner (Lance Turner); five grandchildren, Matthew N. Levy, Alexander J. Levy, Ian P. Smeenk, Nicolaas N. Smeenk, and Benjamin N. Dodson; and other cherished relatives and friends.

We would like to thank Capitol Lakes and its staff for the wonderful care that Vernon received during his illness.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13 at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on February 13 at the church. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Capitol Lakes Foundation in Madison.



Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434