NP Dodge Company Announces Passing of Nathan Phillips “Sandy” Dodge IV
Omaha, NE – January 13, 2026 – Nathan Phillips “Sandy” Dodge IV, 89, passed away in the early hours of January 11, surrounded by his family. Born in 1937, Sandy marked his 89th birthday just days before his passing, the end to a long and meaningful life defined by integrity, quiet leadership, and a devotion to family and community that set a standard for others to emulate. Above all, he was an unwavering and devoted partner to his wife of 65 years, Kathleen “Kate” Cloney Dodge.
Sandy’s values showed most clearly in the way he treated people. He cared little for status, treating people from all walks of life with equal dignity. He listened more than he spoke, protected others when things went wrong and asked of himself what more he could have done. For Sandy, ethics were a constant. He believed right and wrong were usually clear, that good work mattered, and that actions always speak louder than words.
Sandy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In later years, the role of ‘Pa’ eclipsed the titles of chairman or president, revealing a warm and gentle man who endeared himself to older and younger generations alike. He was deeply connected to his grandchildren, who felt seen by him. The gestures he most favored — an affectionate hip check, a shoulder bump, a light punch on the arm — were his unmistakable way of saying: “I know you’re here, and I’m glad you are.”
Sandy graduated from Harvard University with a degree in American History. After Harvard, he entered the United States Air Force, ultimately serving as a Lieutenant Colonel. He returned to Omaha in 1962 and became the fourth-generation leader of the NP Dodge Company, founded in 1855 and the oldest real estate company in the United States still operated by its founding family. Over six decades of his leadership, the company grew in both scale and reputation, reflecting the values that defined his life: preparation, integrity, and care for the people around him. He was devoted to the company, but spoke with the most pride about the people who worked there and the culture they built together.
A true native son, Sandy viewed Omaha not just as a hometown, but as a community worthy of investment, stewardship, and care. He served on the boards of Methodist Hospital, Omaha Public Power District, the Omaha Community Playhouse Foundation, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and the American States Water Company, among many others. He shared his time with unflinching generosity and a quiet modesty, never seeking recognition.
Beneath his quiet demeanor was a true competitor. Sandy was a gifted athlete, an undefeated high school football player, basketball scoring leader, baseball captain, and a lifelong tennis player. He approached each sport and every competition with the same focus and good humor he brought to everything he did, whether in sports or in life. In all things, he held himself to demanding standards, yet showed an uncommon ability to make others feel accepted.
In addition to his loving wife, Kate, Sandy is survived by his children, Laura Dodge Luther (Mike), Nathan P. Dodge (Margaret), and Jennifer Dodge Altenau (David); nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by colleagues, business partners, and lifelong friends whose lives were shaped by his example.
In reflecting on Sandy’s life, those closest to him understand that his legacy is rooted not in visibility or acclaim—though his accomplishments are many—but in his impeccable moral compass, the quiet insistence that actions matter more than words, that work should be done well, and that communities are built by those willing to contribute without seeking credit. Omaha is stronger for his presence, and his influence endures in the company he guided, the institutions he served, and the family he loved.
To know Sandy Dodge was to know that goodness can walk among us in plain sight. His life was marked by achievement carried with quiet modesty, an ability to adapt to change with steadiness of effort, and a clarity about right and wrong that he didn’t just believe but lived. His family, his company, and his community are all better for his presence—and for the legacy he leaves for us.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124. Service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 15, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 113 N 18th St, in Omaha. In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dodge Cares. Donations can be sent to 8601 W Dodge Rd, Ste 120, Omaha, NE 68114 or made online at DodgeCares.org.
ABOUT NP DODGE COMPANY
Founded in 1855, NP Dodge Company is the longest running, family-owned real estate company in the United States and one of the 100 oldest family-owned businesses in the United States. NP Dodge Company has six wholly owned divisions: Dodge Partners Insurance, NAI NP Dodge Commercial Real Estate, NEI Global Relocation, NP Dodge Management Company, NP Dodge Real Estate and TitleCore National. While each operates independently, they work in tandem to offer a strong, interconnected infrastructure that supports growth, innovation, and results.
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