Steven L. Hodges, DDS

Steven L. Hodges, DDS, 66, passed away Sunday June 23, 2024, in his residence after a long illness. 

Steve was born August 19, 1957, in South Bend to Vere and Mabel (Kluender) Hodges. On August 10, 1985, he married Lori Checkley, who survives along with two daughters, Kara and Stephanie Hodges, a brother Kevin (Tracy) Hodges, a sister Trudy (Glenn) Diamond and several nephews, nieces and grandnephews and nieces.  He will also be greatly missed by his mother-in-law Sherri DuCharme, brother-in-law Steve Checkley and sister-in-law Lisa Checkley Needham and family.    Steve was blessed with several close life-time friends, especially Dell Allen, Rick Gale, and Dave Floerchinger.  Their friendship and help meant so much to him during the difficult years.  Special thanks to Dell for helping to make his last days brighter.

Steve grew up in Cassopolis, Michigan, and graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1975. He excelled at sports, winning the All Sports Award. He especially loved football and baseball.  He graduated from Ferris State College and Indiana University School of Dentistry.  He was passionate about dentistry and owned or worked at several practices in the Michiana area during his career.  He was very disappointed to have to leave practice early due to ill health several years ago. He never gave up the dream of someday returning to dentistry.  He had hoped to assist his daughter Kara in starting a dental practice when she graduates from I.U. School of Dentistry next year. He wanted Steph to run the front office so he could work with both his daughters doing something he loved.

In the 1980s Steve was an amateur body builder, winning his division at the Mr. Indiana contest and placing well in many regional contests.  After concentrating on his practice and family he returned to bodybuilding two decades later.  In 2009 he won the Men’s Masters NPC Continental USA contest and placed second in the open novice division competing against men 30 years younger.  He remained committed to health and fitness working out nearly daily until near the end of his life.

Sports cars were a passion of Steve’s and over the years he owned a Supra, several Dodge Vipers, a McLaren, and a Bentley. He also loved his dogs, especially Lucy, and his two Neufs, Star and Mickie. He continued to sneak them treats up to his last day of life.

Steve was a remarkable person. In spite of serious health issues starting at age 20 he accomplished so much in life.  Through all the surgeries, hospitalizations, and complications, he never stopped believing he could get better and do the things he loved again. 

Cremation has taken place.  Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.zahoran.com.  A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, July 13 at 1 pm at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, 53105 N. Ironwood Rd, South Bend.  Visitation with the family will occur immediately before and after the service.

 Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana University Foundation Memorial Gifts Fund. Please specify The Steven L. Hodges, DDS Memorial Scholarship at the IU School of Dentistry.  Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN, 46206 –6460 or dropped off at the service.

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