Ernest G. “Hod” Hutson, age 101 of Grafton, ND passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at his home in Grafton with his family at his side.
Hod was born at home July 12, 1922, the son of Ernest G. and Julia (Anderson) Hutson. He grew up on the family farm near Hayward, WI where he graduated from high school. During his freshman year in college WW2 started. Hod joined the US Army Air Corp becoming a bomber pilot. Serving 4 years and 2 months he flew 58 combat missions over occupied Germany. Captain Hutson received two Presidential unit citations with his squadron and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters. He finished his military career as a multi-engine flight instructor in 1948. After separation from active duty Hod moved to Devils Lake, ND as a flight instructor for Dan Wakefield becoming a pioneer in the aerial spray business. Hod married Delphine C. (Del) Kiedrowski and in 1951 they moved to Grafton, ND where they purchased and lived at the Grafton Municipal Airport. Together they raised 7 children, Don, Linda, Nancy, Bob, Deb, Dot, and Margie. Hod established a GI flight school, a charter service, and an aerial application business until 1970. He served 2 terms as President of the North Dakota Aviation Operators Association. In 2000 he was inducted into the ND Aviation Hall of Fame. Soon after Grafton Mayor Fred Stark and the Airport Authority renamed the airfield, Hutson Field. In 2018 he received the Wilber Wright Safety Award. Hod also worked in sales for Investors Diversified Service (IDS) and ND Farm Bureau. An active member of the Grafton Community Hod served on many boards and committees including building Grafton’s first indoor ice arena, merging St. Josephs and Deaconess Hospitals and the Walsh County Bank Board. He loved sports enjoying those participated in by family, the Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves. He was also an avid follower of the stock market until his death.
Hod is survived by his wife, Del; son, Don (Paddy); daughters, Linda Johnston (Jim), Nancy Tatum (Ken), Deb Hutson, Dot Martinson (John), and Margie Evers (Mike), grandchildren: Jason, Kevin, Brian, and Julie Johnston, Kim Tatum, Bobby Martinson, Emily and Jimmy Evers. 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Bob; Granddaughter, Kate Tatum; infant brother, Elmer; sister, Elizabeth Hutson Drabek and nephew, Bob Drabek.
No services will be held at this time. Memorials can be made to the Hospice of the Red River Valley or a community charity of your choice.
Hod was born at home July 12, 1922, the son of Ernest G. and Julia (Anderson) Hutson. He grew up on the family farm near Hayward, WI where he graduated from high school. During his freshman year in college WW2 started. Hod joined the US Army Air Corp becoming a bomber pilot. Serving 4 years and 2 months he flew 58 combat missions over occupied Germany. Captain Hutson received two Presidential unit citations with his squadron and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters. He finished his military career as a multi-engine flight instructor in 1948. After separation from active duty Hod moved to Devils Lake, ND as a flight instructor for Dan Wakefield becoming a pioneer in the aerial spray business. Hod married Delphine C. (Del) Kiedrowski and in 1951 they moved to Grafton, ND where they purchased and lived at the Grafton Municipal Airport. Together they raised 7 children, Don, Linda, Nancy, Bob, Deb, Dot, and Margie. Hod established a GI flight school, a charter service, and an aerial application business until 1970. He served 2 terms as President of the North Dakota Aviation Operators Association. In 2000 he was inducted into the ND Aviation Hall of Fame. Soon after Grafton Mayor Fred Stark and the Airport Authority renamed the airfield, Hutson Field. In 2018 he received the Wilber Wright Safety Award. Hod also worked in sales for Investors Diversified Service (IDS) and ND Farm Bureau. An active member of the Grafton Community Hod served on many boards and committees including building Grafton’s first indoor ice arena, merging St. Josephs and Deaconess Hospitals and the Walsh County Bank Board. He loved sports enjoying those participated in by family, the Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves. He was also an avid follower of the stock market until his death.
Hod is survived by his wife, Del; son, Don (Paddy); daughters, Linda Johnston (Jim), Nancy Tatum (Ken), Deb Hutson, Dot Martinson (John), and Margie Evers (Mike), grandchildren: Jason, Kevin, Brian, and Julie Johnston, Kim Tatum, Bobby Martinson, Emily and Jimmy Evers. 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Bob; Granddaughter, Kate Tatum; infant brother, Elmer; sister, Elizabeth Hutson Drabek and nephew, Bob Drabek.
No services will be held at this time. Memorials can be made to the Hospice of the Red River Valley or a community charity of your choice.