Bruce J. Dodson

Look Bruce J. Dodson, age 87, longtime Funeral Director and former Mayor of St. Ignace, Michigan, died peacefully at 8:37 a.m. Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025, at Medilodge of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in the care of McLaren Hospice following a six-month period of declining health.

Bruce was born October 9, 1937, in Alma, Michigan, to Floyd Stanley and Bertha Marie (VanVynck) Dodson.  He was a 1955 graduate of Edmore High School.  Following graduation from high school he and father owned and operated Dodson Chevrolet in Edmore.  He attended Central Michigan and Ferris Universities studying business.  In 1961, Bruce began studying Mortuary Science at Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science, Milwaukee graduating in 1962.   He served his apprenticeship to become a Funeral Director at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home in Lansing, Michigan.  Bruce received his funeral director's license from the State of Michigan in 1967, He managed Stebbins Funeral Home in Stanton, Michigan for several years.  On December 7, 1969, Bruce purchased the Davis Funeral Home in St. Ignace.  On January 24, 1970, he married Carolyn McCracken at the United Methodist Church in Carson City, Michigan.  The couple owned and operated Davis-Dodson Funeral Home later Dodson Funeral Home for many years, caring for numerous families in the Mackinac area.  They were entrusted with the sacred traditions of the Native American and Mackinac Island cultures.

Bruce was an active member of St. Ignatius Loyala Catholic Church, St. Ignace, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and on various committees.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Bruce was very civic minded and served as the City of St. Ignace Mayor from 1983 until 2005, being the longest serving mayor in St. Ignace.  He was a longtime member of the Michigan and National Funeral Directors Associations.  Bruce loved all things cars and trains.  He looked forward to the St. Ignace Car Show each year.  One of the biggest joys of Bruce's life was caring for decedents and their families during the hardest times of their lives especially during his many years of service as Mackinac County Deputy Medical Examiner.  Bruce was very welcoming and always willing to help those need.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Carolyn; children, Eric Dodson of Mackinaw City, Michigan, and children, Jack, Alex, James, John, Stephanie and Jasmine, Josh Dodson and his wife, Rose of Oxford, Michigan, and daughter, Marley; Corinne "Cory" Lisk and her husband, Roger (US Army Major, Retired) of Charles Town, West Virginia, Joel Hembach and his wife, Denise of Anchorage, Alaska, Kelly Hembach and his wife, Michelle of Davenport, Washington, and Geninne Hall and her husband Earl of Purcellville, Virginia; numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of friends.  

Preceding Bruce in death were his parents; sister, Carol Dodson and numerous Pets.

The family will receive friends Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Ignatius Loyala Catholic Church, St. Ignace from 10:00 until 11:45 a.m.  Mass will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday in the church with the Reverend Father Frank Ricca presiding.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.ackermancares.com.

The family extends their gratitude for the care concern shown to Bruce and his family during the last several months.  Especially to St. Ignace Ambulance and Hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital and Hospice, Medilodge of Sault Ste. Marie, Fred Paquin and Chris Beauleau.  

Arrangements are in the care of Ackerman Funeral Directors.  (906) 484-3319.