Ernest C Dodd

Ernest C. Dodd, age 69, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2026. He was born on August 21, 1957, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Rudy and Jewel (nee Cook) Dodd.

Ernest proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later retired as a fuel transportation driver. On April 17, 1986, he married the love of his life, Laura "Lauri" Talmadge, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Known affectionately as "Good Old Ernie," he was a man who never met a stranger. A natural jokester with a big heart, Ernest treasured his family and friends and placed great value on the relationships he built throughout his life. His grandchildren held an especially precious place in his heart. He was the kind of man who would find any excuse to bring everyone together. Whether it meant calling several family members to help with a project or coming up with something that needed to be done, Ernie always seemed to have a reason for everyone to gather. To him, it was never just about getting something done; it was about spending time together and making memories. He was a loyal, ride-or-die kind of person who could always be counted on by those he loved. When he wasn't making people laugh or enjoying time with family and friends, he enjoyed camping and cheering on his beloved Chicago Bears and Cubs.

Ernest will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Laura "Lauri" Dodd, of 40 years; his six children, Heather (John) Wright, Brandi Kriess, Justin Johnson, Greggory (Kassi) Dodd, Hunter Dodd, and Jace Dodd; grandchildren, Gage Johnson, Ethan and Quinn Wright, Zoe (John Hackleman) and Tatum Kriess, Payton (Landon Scepkowski), Caiden and Aubree Johnson, Gavin, James and Noah Dodd, and Addison Peters; siblings, Cindy Mangold, Lorrie Shei, and Michael Dodd; nieces and nephews, Robert (Sandi) Baker, Amie (Darren) DePaul, Wendy (Jonathan) Mull, Rudy Shei, and Mollie Scott; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Jewel Dodd; brother, Isham Long; son, Jeffery Johnson; and mother-in-law, Betty Klassen.

Ernie leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, countless memories, and a family who will forever cherish the time they shared with him. He will always be remembered as a man who loved deeply, laughed often, and made sure the people he loved were never too far away.

A funeral service for Ernest will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368, with Pastor Scott Jones officiating. Cremation will follow. A visitation will also be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 pm also at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. Please call (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com