Ronald "Earl" Hodgkins, age 65, of Mahnomen, died Monday, January 30, 2017 in his home.

Earl was born on January 22, 1952 the son of William and Dorsey McKinzie. As a young child he attended the Mission School with his siblings in Pine Bend, MN. He spent most of his years living in the Fosston and Lengby area where he graduated from high school. Earl entered the United States Military and served during the Vietnam Era. Following his discharge, he returned home to Fosston. Earl studied small engine repair and loved to work on motorcycles, lawnmowers and other small vehicles. He was general handyman and often helped family and friends in need. He spent many years living in Minneapolis, MN before coming back home. Earl was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed simply being in the woods. In his younger years he often hunted and trapped. Never having a drivers license, Earl rode many miles on his bicycle getting where he needed to be. He was also known to jump on the tractor and go for a drive. In his spare time, Earl also liked to go to the Casino and visit with his buddies. He had a tender place in his hearts for dogs and always took care of the strays making sure they didn't go hungry. Earl never wanted to bother others and was very self-sufficient. He was a private man and enjoyed his quiet time alone but always kept his family near to his heart.

Earl is survived by one daughter, Norma Felt of Bagley, MN; two grandchildren, Ashley Marchaud and Darius Bryant; two great grandchildren, Jodeci Marchaud-Sanders and Gia Marchaud; a half-brother, Charles McKenzie; and two nieces, Amy (Justin) Littlewolf and Rita (Jamie Auginaush) Swenson; four nephews: Brian (Lisa Basswood) Swenson, Bradley (Tracy Needham) Jackson, Anthony Smith, and Nathaniel (Theresa) Kieffer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Alex and Eugene "Skip"; and his sister, Carole Swenson.


A graveside service will be held at the Lengby City Cemetery at 2:00pm on Friday, February 3, 2017.