Oscar Martin Hodel

Oscar Martin Hodel (b 17 July 1938) died peacefully at home on 13 July 2024 at the age of 85. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Oscar moved as a teenager to Boulder, Colorado with his parents Oscar and Sonja and sister Gloria. He attended Boulder High School, where he met his first wife Diane (née Peterson).They were married for 25 years and raised two sons, Derek and Marc. 

Early in his career, Oscar worked in Boulder, first at his father’s pharmacy, Hodel’s Drug, then later for 20 years at Public Service Company of Colorado, where he met his current wife Karen. Oscar and Karen (née Pospahala/Spence) married in 1992 and along with Karen’s son Justin have lived the last 32 years in Arvada, Colorado in their home on the Lake where Oscar fed the ducks & squirrels. After retiring from Public Service, he also worked for Neodata for 10 years. 

Oscar was a dedicated athlete and fan, especially football & track. During high school he played quarterback and ran the 1/2 mile and relays. Oscar later became an avid amateur marathoner, completing multiple events around the country. In 1984, he finished the New York Marathon in 04:08:2, at the age of 44. 

As a sports fan he was a Legacy Buff attending CU Buff football games for 40+ years. Attended Marc’s triple jumps He attended Justin’s wrestling & football games at Pomona HS, and was an avid fan for Pomona HS & Brighton HS track meets. He also attended the Olympic track & field trials in Eugene, OR. 

"Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself, you can learn in 26.2 miles." – Lori Culnane  

He was an obsessed collector of miniature soldiers & department 56 villages to names few. He loved traveling to visit friends, family, historical sites & Disney World. Family visits became the highlight of his days when he became more physically challenged by Parkinson’s . Oscar is survived by his wife Karen, sons Derek (Allan Dorrington)and Marc (Cindy Preston), step-son Justin Spence, and grandchildren David and Stephanie.  

There will be a private family memorial this summer.  

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Davis Phinney Foundation, (Parkinson’s) https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/  or Drug Policy Alliance http://www.drugpolicy.org