Lawrence J. "Larry" Dodd

1925 - 2017

Lawrence J. Dodd, 91, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 5th, 2017. He was the founding Owner of L.J. Dodd Construction, Inc. Larry was born on December 11th, 1925 in Wessington Springs, SD and after WWII made his home in Oswego, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jacqueline M Dodd (nee Foss) and his son Lawrence J. Dodd Jr. His family moved to Henderson, IA when he was a boy, where they ran a small café. Larry loved playing baseball. Later, Larry moved to Aurora to live with his step brother Boyd Dye, where he went to East Aurora High School. In 1943, he left East Aurora High School to join the war effort with the Navy. Larry served in the US Navy during WWII in North Africa and Palermo, Sicily. He initially spent time in North Africa and eventually became a signalman and a Prison guard on base in Palermo, NOB157. After the War, he moved to Oswego where he met Jackie and started a family, as well as a business with his partner and longtime friend, Roy Deane. They started Dodd & Deane Masonry, which would later become L.J. Dodd Construction. Within the Fox Valley area, there are many businesses, schools and churches that were built by L.J. Dodd construction. Eventually, his son Neal would take over the business. A compassionate, giving man, Larry gave much of his time helping others in the local Oswego community by serving the American Legion Post 675 and the Boy Scouts of America. He served as Post Commander of the American Legion and Scout Master for Troop 63. After Jackie passed away, Larry married Carol Schillinger in 2003. He loved the large blended family. Carol was with him till the end. Larry was always known to have a smile, be in good spirits and joke with everyone. Survivors include two sons, Neal (Julie) of Oswego, IL and Jason of Geneva, IL; six grandsons and 3 granddaughters; 3 great grandchildren; his daughter-in-law Mary Dodd. In addition to his wife and son, he was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Florence Dodd and a multitude of siblings. Visitation will be held Sunday 1-5 p.m. September 10, 2017 at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora, IL 60506. Funeral services will be held Monday 10:30 a.m. September 11, 2017 also at The Healy Chapel. Interment will take place at Lincoln Memorial Park. For further information please call (630) 897-9291 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com to sign the online guestbook. In Memorial, Donations can be made in Lawrence's name to; Tree of Life Endowment Fund - Church of The Good Shepherd, or The American Legion Post 675, or Boy Scouts of America.