Edward Jacob “Jake” Hodgkinson passed away peacefully at the age of 69 in his home in Hayward, WI.

Jake was born May 24, 1953 in Petoskey, MI the son of Harry and Loretta (Rogers) Hodgkinson.

At a young age Jake’s family moved to St. James, MN where he grew up and graduated from high school. This is where he established many of his lifelong friendships. In his adult life he settled in Hayward, WI. Jake was an incredible student and athlete. He was vice president of his class and on the wrestling team that won the Minnesota State Championship in 1972. Jake himself was the state runner up individually. That summer he qualified for the International AAU wrestling team and traveled to Europe to compete. Among his other accomplishments Jake earned the highest award of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Later becoming Scout Master as an adult in Park Falls, WI.

After high-school Jake attended Vermilion Community College in Ely, MN with a degree in Forestry Management. Soon after he began work with the Forest Service working as a Hot Shot fighting forest fires in Northern Minnesota and across the country. In 1982 he started work as a banker in Austin, MN and later in Park Falls, WI in order to be home with his family. He was also a small business owner running the Record Rack in Hayward, WI. Not afraid of hard work, he had 5 jobs at one time, manager of Hayward Cinema, school bus driver, EMT, volunteer fireman, and a deputy sheriff. Jake’s numerous professions were always in service to others, a testament to his giving, caring, and selfless personality.

If you knew Jake, you knew he was an outdoorsman and adventurer. He loved to travel with his buddies hunting in South Dakota, the annual fishing trips to Northern Minnesota and spending time at his cabin near Ely, MN with lifelong friends Roger Schmid and Terry Moncel, this was his little slice of heaven.

Jake was an awesome dad, he loved his kids. He passed along his love for adventure and the outdoors to Lee and Calla; portaging the Boundary Waters, identifying wildlife, trees and other plants, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, road trips, cliff jumping, swimming, and tree climbing. Jake shared his love through experiences and making memories together. His quiet and humble nature taught them about loving without condition, acceptance, kindness, enjoying the little things and taking life in stride.

Jake loved spending time with and was devoted to his extended family. He remained close friends with his ex-wife Deb and her husband Rory. Jake was loyal and dedicated to his family; he was always there when someone needed him, especially his parents Harry and Loretta. His sisters, Dana, Sandy, and Vicki loved him dearly, as did his nieces and nephews. He never missed a family event and quietly supported all whenever needed.

Jake is survived by his 2 children Lee Hodgkinson and Calla Hodgkinson, his sisters Dana (Bill) Bates, Sandy (Tom) Knickrehm, Vicki Hodgkinson-Stiling, nieces and nephews Nathan (Stacey), Trina (Shawn), Darcy (Casey) Sadie (Brooke), Jared, Garrett (Sara Beth), Allie, Stevie, Tillie, his ex-wife Deb (Rory) Cannon and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Loretta Hodgkinson.

A celebration of life service will be held for Jake at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Hatchery Creek Park Pavilion. Gathering with the family and friends will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday at the park.

Online condolences may be left for Jake’s family at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com.

Last Update: Jul 12, 2022 10:49 am CDT