grave import

Obituary

Clifford E. Dodds of Iowa City, formerly of Burlington, IA, died on Sunday evening, June 26, 2011, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 94. Visitation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011, at Prugh Funeral Service in Burlington, IA. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel. Inerment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington. Pastor Steve Rachke of Iowa City's Parkview Evangelical Free Church will officiate at the service. Clifford Dodds was born to Earl and Sadie Krieger Dodds in Danville, IA, on April 3, 1917. He graduated from Danville High School in 1936. After attending two years at Burlington Junior College (now Southeastern Community College), he graduated with a BA degree in political science and a teaching certificate from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, IA, in 1940. In 1951, he earned an MA degree from Colorado State College in Greeley, CO. He carved out a 39-year career in social studies teaching and basketball coaching, beginning in Sperry, IA, then to Centerville and Ottumwa. He concluded his career in Burlington, retiring in 1979. He was proud to have introduced the American Field Service (international student exchange program) to Ottumwa High School and Burlington High School during his tenure at those schools. Former students spoke highly of his teaching, and one honored him by nominating Clifford for Columbia (MO) University's National Lifetime Achievement Award for Civic Education, which he was awarded in 1999. On August 15, 1945, Clifford married Emily Iona Wellborn of Cantril, IA. During their married life, Clifford and Iona traveled widely. In addition to traveling the 50 states, they made multiple trips to Europe, including one trip to Russia. In addition, they traveled to China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Clifford often spoke of their walk on the Great Wall of China as a travel highlight. As a social studies teacher, Clifford made the world his classroom. After 64 years of marriage, Iona died in 2009. While in Burlington, Clifford was an Ambassador for the City of Burlington and Clerk of the Des Moines County Trustee Board for 20 years. He was also a member of the AARP Vote Congressional District, and the Elks Club. Clifford and Iona lived on his family's century farm, where they raised grain and Hereford cattle. Clifford managed the farm until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008. In 1998, Clifford and Iona moved to Iowa City so they could regularly attend the Hawkeye basketball games and enjoy the cultural events offered by a college community. He also became a member of the Presidents Club and Parkview Evangelist Church. Clifford was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and wife. His brother Charles of Morning Sun survives. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Des Moines County Historical Society, 501 North 4th Street, Burlington, IA 52601.