UPPER LAKE, Calif. — Frank C. Hodge, born Nov. 3, 1946, in Napa, California.

Frank passed away peacefully in his home in Upper Lake, California, surrounded by his cherished family.

He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, and retired custodian for the Upper Lake School District where he worked for 23 years.

Frank leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, laughter and community.

Frank was the father of two sons, Sonny (Frankie) and John (Bubba) Hodge and one daughter Sara (Sis) Sanchez. His family also includes his son-in-law Rob Sanchez and daughters-in-law Samantha Hodge and Amber Shawver.

Frank's pride and joy were his 10 grandchildren: Ryan Baier, Aiden and Jordan Hoke, Angel, Alex, Chelsie, Isabel and Jimmy Sanchez, Colin Sheldon and John Mackellen Graham Hodge. Frank was raised in a very large family which included 13 siblings and is very loved by his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Frank’s early years were spent in Takilma, Oregon, but moved with his family to his beloved small town of Upper Lake, California when he was in the third grade. Raised by the close-knit community in Upper Lake, Frank dedicated his life to giving back and nurturing the community that had supported him. Frank was known for exhibiting kindness to kids who didn’t always have what they needed. This includes buying shoes for kids, gifting bicycles and taking kids fishing.

He was known affectionately by many names — Frankie, Uncle Frank, Dad, Grandpa Frank, Mayor Hodge and the Dog Father — each reflecting the deep affection and respect he earned from all who knew him.

Frank loved nature and everything it includes. He was someone who believed in preserving and respecting the natural environment. He was active in many local groups; the Chi Council where he helped to track the hitch running in the local creeks, the California Striper Association where he worked to get stripers planted into Lake Mendocino, The Black Tail Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Lake County Rodeo Association and was also part of the Upper Lake Water Board.

A man of simple pleasures, Frank found joy in fishing with his brothers, children and closest friends. Frank met his best friends in Upper Lake and many of them became family, many of those friends continued to go fishing and visiting with him up to the very end.
His lifelong friendships and bonds with his fishing and (let’s be honest) drinking buddies were a testament to his warm and generous spirit.

Frank’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter and camaraderie. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of his family and friends, but his memory will be cherished through the countless stories, fishing tales, and the enduring impact he had on his beloved Upper Lake community.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held at a later date, where all who knew and loved him are invited to share in remembering a remarkable man who lived his life with his whole heart and soul.