Richard Marshall Hodgson

“The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.” ~ unknown

Richard Marshall Hodgson, 85, of Charlevoix, MI, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, surrounded by his family.  Born on July 1, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, Richard lived an amazingly multi-faceted and abundantly fulfilling life, filled with family, friends, and a community of people he loved. 

In his early adult life, while working a farm start-up in North Carolina, he met and married Lois Petersen and had three children, Richard, Eric and Mark. They moved to Charlevoix in 1970 where Richard put down lifelong roots and raised his children. 

 After the kids were grown, Richard decided to try retirement. He moved to Sanibel, Florida and spent years traveling and working on many different projects and hobbies. He soon realized, however, that retirement in Florida was not for him, and he missed the Charlevoix community. He moved home in the early 1990s. He married Laurie Lesser on Valentine’s Day in 1994 and became a stepfather to Emily and Jessie Murray. He also started Charlevoix State Bank in 1994 and served as Chairman and resident “Mr. Fix It” from 1994-2007. If that wasn’t enough, Richard and Laurie were also excited and surprised to welcome a daughter, Elizabeth, into the family in March of 1995. 

Richard’s vision for Charlevoix State Bank was to bring personalized, professional and compassionate small-town banking back to the Charlevoix community. At the heart of his mission was the desire to create an opportunity for locals to better realize their dreams. Today, his vision has flourished into a company that employs over 40 people and serves customers across Northwest Michigan. Charlevoix State Bank has been a pillar in the community and Richard’s generous heart always drove him to ensure that the bank participated in all community events and contributed charitably to dozens of organizations.

Richard took great joy in the growth of the bank, opening several new branches, often working closely with his son, Rich, to push the company forward. He was proud of how many lives were positively impacted. Richard’s leadership and kindness will forever be remembered by those who had the good fortune of knowing him. He was honored in 2010 as the Citizen of the Year by the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond his professional achievements, Richard had a zest for life that was evident in everything he did. He loved anything with an engine and could literally repair any car, boat, plane, tractor, snowmobile, motorcycle or household appliance. He was an incredible carpenter, electrician and plumber. His work experience was broad, including owning a farm in North Carolina, a parking garage in Detroit, Walker marina on Round Lake and co-owner of the flight service from Charlevoix to Beaver Island. He would much rather be in his Carhartts and suspenders with a hammer in his hand than in a suit sitting at a desk. 

Richard also loved a grand adventure. He loved to be on a boat, whether it be in the Great Lakes and North Channel, or the Mediterranean in Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain. He spent a summer bringing a boat up the Intracoastal Waterway from Florida to Charlevoix with Laurie, Rich, their three daughters and their 90-pound lab. He went on countless snowmobile and camping adventures in the UP, Canada, Florida, and a Route 66 adventure out west. Richard and Laurie enjoyed riding their motorcycles and even traveled to Sturgis several times together. He also enjoyed trips through Europe by plane, train and car. Richard loved a road trip and would often drive long distances at a sudden moment to pick up something, deliver something or help someone in need. However, he also loved being home with his labs and his family, cooking blueberry pancakes and maple bacon, preparing Prime Rib dinner at Christmas, watching football, reading and working on home improvement projects.

Richard could fix anything with an intelligent and creative approach to find a solution even in the most complicated situation. He did all of this and more with a humble, generous and thoughtful approach and never sought praise or acknowledgement. Helping people was enough to bring him joy. 

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Hodgson; his children, Richard Hodgson (Perry Irish), Eric Hodgson (Dana), Mark Hodgson and Elizabeth Hodgson Michna (Lucas); his stepchildren Emily Murray Post (Devin) and Jessie May Murray (Jeremy Hirn); the mother of his sons, Lois Hodgson; grandchildren Liam Hodgson, Alex Hodgson, Raymond Hodgson, Madeline Welsh and Owen Welsh; and his two beloved labradors, Pearl and Ganache. 

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond J. and Elizabeth (Chisholm) Hodgson.

A visitation will be held at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes on Sunday, February 2nd from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be at the First Congregational Church in Charlevoix on Monday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in Charlevoix in June as well. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to “Funds That Support Community Improvement” through the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. You can find information about the seven different funds here: https://www.c3f.org/all-about-giving/where-to-give/funds-that-support-community-improvement.html

Arrangements are under the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com