Don J. Odegaard

Don J. Odegaard, 75, Rock Lake, ND died Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, ND.

Donald James Odegaard was born on March 7, 1934 to Peter and Mae (Rasmussen) Odegaard at rural Egeland, ND. Don was raised and attended school at Egeland. Don entered the US Army on October 29, 1953 and served until his honorable discharge in 1955. Don married Wynn O’Brien on September 30, 1955 at Minneapolis, MN. After their marriage, the couple moved to Whitefish, where Don worked for the Great Northern Railroad. They lived there until 1969, when they moved to Rock Lake , where they took over her parents business and built a new grocery store. They ran that for 14 years. Don started a construction company in 1979 along with his sons Mike and Lee. In 1999 Don retired. Don then worked for the Rock Lake Public School as a janitor with his son and daughter, Darren and Darla until his time of death. Wynn died April 6, 2002.

Don really enjoyed working with wood; especially with projects like building unique log beds and furniture. He was a past member of the city council and fire department. He was an active member of the All Nations Lutheran Church, Rock Lake.

Don was survived by his children: Michael, of Bigfork, MT, Lee (Becky), of Issaquah, WA, Darren (Connie), of Perth, ND and Darla (Mark) Hunt, of Rock Lake, ND. Other survivors include his special friend Margaret Koistinen, and his brothers and sisters: Pauline “Polly” Nikolaisen, of Kalispell, MT, Doris “Dorie” Johnson, of Cando, Lucille “Lucy” Gau, of Cando, Alvin “Al” (Charlotte) of AZ, Everette (Letha), of CA and Wayne “Bill” (Mary), of Clovis, NM; along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Wynn, his parents, brothers and sisters: Alfred “Bud”, Florence Nikolaisen, Howard “Dutch”, Louella Schaefer, an infant brother, Robert and Anna-Mae.

Memorial Service: Monday, July 27, 2009 at 10:00 AM at All Nations Lutheran Church, Rock Lake.

Military Rites: Mooney-Carnahan Post #8196, Rock Lake VFW

Burial: All Nations Lutheran Cemetery

Our deepest sympathy to you. It was great seeing Don again after many years at Rudy's funeral. I am Vi's daughter and remember some good conversations when we came to ND just a few years ago. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort in this hard time.
Sincerely,
Becky and Les Landrie

To the family of Don Odegaard, We are so sorry for your loss. We pray that the love of God and the comfort of the resurrection will sustain you during this time of grief. God is with you. Love, Dawn and Don

Dear Mike,Lee, Darren and Darla~~~I want you to know how sorry I am about the passing of your dad, Don. He was a good, decent man. Your dad worked with Jim{deceased} on the railroad for many years. Keep your mom and dad, both, in your hearts always~~~ Love, Colleen McNeil

May God be with you during this difficult time and comfort you with His love, peace, and hope.

We send our deepest sympathies in the loss of your father. Our prayers are with all of you in this time of grief. May God watch over you and give you peace.
Laurel Lampela and Helen Cozza

We are so sorry of the loss of Don. It was good to see him last summer at Rudy's funderal. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of you.