Doris Seward

February 8, 2006, Page 9

Doris Dodie (Huso) Seward, 82, of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of Northwood, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2006, at her home in Sun City, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 9, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen of First Lutheran Church in Northwood officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the chapel.

Doris “Dodie” Huso, was born on June 12, 1923 in Riceville, Iowa, the daughter of Albert T. and Edith Amanda (Anonson) Huso. She received her education in the Northwood Community School, graduating from the Northwood High School in 1940. Dodie also attended Bethany College in Mankato, Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business Education. She began her career in teaching at Milaca, Minnesota, then on to Lake City, Minnesota and ended her teaching career at Humbolt High School in St. Paul, Minnesota.

She was united in marriage to Byron F. Seward on December 30, 1967, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Jackson, Mississippi and moved to Louise, Mississippi where they lived until his death. After her husband’s death, Dodie moved to Sun City, Arizona. Dodie enjoyed the weather in Arizona, golf, and traveling. Summers were spent at her cabin on Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minnesota.

Survivors include sisters, Mable L. Tenold of Northwood and Clarice E. Madson and her husband, Juul of Mankato, Minnesota; 22 nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Byron; two brothers, Wilford C. Huso and Wayne T. Huso; and two sisters, Gladys S. Smith and Stella Smith.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Winifred Skellenger

February 15, 2006, page 9

Winifred May Punter “Freddie” Skellenger, 82, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2006, at her home.

Memorial services were held at the St. John The Devine Episcopal Chapel, 2405 River Oaks Blvd. and Westheimer on Thursday, February 9. A memorial service will be held in Lake Mills at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. John’s School, or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, both in House, Texas.

Winifred was born on December 12, 1923 in Warren, Illinois. She married Virgil “Virg” V. Skellenger while she and Virg were attending the University of Iowa. She graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bacteriology.

Following Virg’s graduation in 1949, they moved to Houston where they lived except for two years in London, England. She worked seven years as a biochemist in the research department of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center prior to the birth of her youngest son.

She is survived by her husband, Virg (Virgil V.); her sons, Dr. Mark E. Skellenger and children, Sean and Carmel of the Clear Lake area and Dr. Paul W. Skellenger and wife, Lynda and children, Jessica and Catherine of Austin; and her sister, Arlene Ruth Cooper of Houston Texas.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Rev. Charles W. Punter and Dale Winifred Wiley Punter; and a brother, George E. Punter.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Ruth Amelia Smith

February 15, 2006, page 9

Ruth Amelia Smith, 91, of 103 3rd Street, died on Tuesday February 7, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 11, 2006, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 308 4th Ave., Grafton, with Reverend Wayne Ellingson and ATM Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Interment will be in the Grafton Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly.

Ruth Amelia Kanzenbach, was born on April 28, 1914 in Grafton, the daughter of William and Martha (Beyer) Kanzenbach. She attended Grafton public schools.

She was united in marriage to Ira Smith on May 24, 1936 and to this union three children were born. Ruth worked at the Public Library in Grafton and the United States Postal Service as a postal clerk.

Ruth was well known for her selflessness and kind heart serving her community. She touched many lives with her generous spirit and love of life. She enjoyed quilting, music, and bird watching, but her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Ruth was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Bernard (Marilyn) Smith of Mission Viejo, California and Gary (Dianne) Smith of Bloomington, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kristen (Jamie) Moore of Lake Forest, California, Erin Smith of Manhattan Beach, California and Brian Smith, of Bloomington, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Spencer and Charlie Moore of Lake Forest, California; niece, Florence Klitzke of Northwood; special friend, Luella Pagl of Grafton; along with other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, William and Martha Kanzenbach; husband, Ira Smith; son, James Smith; sisters, Leona Foley and Irene Kanzenbach; and brothers, Melvin, Herman, Arthur, Wilmer and Ruben Kanzenbach.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Grace Luella Thompson

February 15, 2006, page 9

Grace Luella Thompson, 100, died on Thursday, February 9, 2006, at the St. John‘s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 13, 2006, at 1:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial will be in the Kensett Cemetery, Kensett. Visitation was held on Sunday from 3-6:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Grace Luella Thompson, was born to Ole and Christine (Bergh) Thompson on December 11, 1905, on a farm near Kensett. She was baptized at home by the Rev. L. 0. Pederson the same day she was born and confirmed by the Rev. Thor Sigmond at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, on July 6, 1919.

Luella attended rural school for her first seven grades and often talked about the school programs and basket socials that she enjoyed so much. She then attended school in Northwood and completed her junior and senior years at Forest City where she graduated.

Luella was employed for ten years at a restaurant in Chester, Iowa that was owned by her brother, Milton and his wife, Enid and later by her brother, Olaf and his wife, Venita. She worked at the Bowen Food Center in Forest City for a number of years and managed the Bowen Food Center in Northwood for ten years. After the store in Northwood was sold, she once again returned to the store in Forest City.

After several years, Luella returned to Northwood to care for her aged mother. After her mother’s death, Luella was employed as a receptionist for Drs. Forland and Anderson, from July 1970 until retiring on March 9, 1988, at the age of 83. In 1996, she moved to the Knutson Place apartments in Albert Lea.

Luella loved to work and enjoyed all the friends she had made over the years. She never married, but loved children and they loved her. Many of them called her Grandma Lu. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, and an active member of the Lydia Circle for many years.

Luella is survived by her nieces, Gartiel Zidlicky of Spillville, Iowa, Beth Sheeley of Coralville, Iowa and Donna Hanson of LeRoy, Minnesota; nephews, Dean Thompson and wife, Lavonne of Riceville, Iowa and Conrad Thompson and wife, Joyce of Rochester, Minnesota; special friends, Ray and Beverly McMullin of Albert Lea and their sons, Mike and Randy; special friends, Dennis and Renee Bergo of Lake Mills and their children, Andrea and Earl Thorton and daughter, Anja Luella of Chandler, Arizona, Jennifer and Jason Chose of Ames, Iowa.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Emylia Rygmyr; four brothers, Melvin, Olaf, Milton and Ernest; one nephew, Charles Thompson; three sisters-in-law, Enid Thompson, Venita Thompson and Urania Thompson; three nephews-in-law, Glenn Sheeley, Don Hanson and Art Zidlicky; and her precious niece, Kristeen Drugg and the late Jonathon Bergo.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Steven R. Groe

March 15, 2006, page 9

Steven R. Groe, 48, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 9.

Graveside services will be announced. Memorials may be sent to the family or the American Lung Association.

Steven is survived and deeply missed by his mother, Maxyne of Austin, Minnesota; siblings, Craig of Mankato, Minnesota and Gerilyn (Mike) Elsen of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; nieces, Sylvia and Emmalyn; aunts and uncles, Evelyn Fjelstad of Lake Mills, Carmen (Melborne) Butler of Northwood, JoEllen (Jim) Bailey of Mason City, Marilyn (Phil) Peters, Arlen (Rhodette) Groe, Duane (Laurene) Groe, Jean Groe and Louise Groe, all of Albert Lea; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Jack Kuehn

April 12, 2006, page 9

On  Monday, February 13, 2006, my dad, Jack Kuehn slipped effortlessly into the pages of his latest paperback novel, becoming the main character on an adventure of excitement and intrigue. Now his story is told by the family narrator, his youngest son, Daniel.

Dad cherished his time with family and liked nothing better than to tell stories, listen to the latest family happenings or wax philosophic about current events. Where possible, he'd throw in a joke, usually told as a barely believable story.

Jack dearly loved my mother, Mary and helped raise two step-sons, David Jeffrey (Jeff) and Daniel Howard Life. Mary and Jack were introduced by mutual friends, Dude and Marilyn Cremer, and were married in June of 1969. We first lived in Ottumwa, moved for a three year assignment to Austin, Minnesota, and then returned to Ottumwa, about six blocks from Mary's brother, John Frevert. My brother, Jeff is married and lives in Florida with his wife, Lori. I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota with my wife, Caroline.

As a man, Jack took the vows of the Boy Scout law into his daily life, adding to 'trustworthy, loyal, helpful...' his own values of humor, thoughtfulness, patience, generosity and unconditional love. Though his courage had been tested many times, including the death of his parents, his wife of 11 years, Mary Lee Frevert, losing many precious friends and his own personal struggles with health, he remained a positive spirit for those around him.

As a son of Grafton Iowa, folks who met my dad clearly felt the small town courtesy and grace that growing up in such a special community imparted. After they got to know him a bit, they'd sense his love for language, cars, gadgets, appreciation for art, culture, and interest in far-away places such as Japan, where he served in the Army during the Korean War. He was fascinated by the Pacific Northwest and particularly the Oregon coastline.

In the years after Mom passed away, Jack befriended Hanna Jo Kyhl. Jo's family opened their hearts to share special occasions and fellowship while facing their own life challenges. Their warmth and closeness was very precious for my dad and continues to be for me.

Jack enjoyed problem solving and working with people. These two strengths served him well throughout his career. He worked as a sales representative for a number of hardware and wholesale plumbing and heating companies (Plumb Supply in Mason City, Austin, and Ottumwa) and as an estimator for mechanical contracting firms, Winger Contracting in Ottumwa and Paul's Plumbing and Heating in Osage.

His last days were measured in lots of reading, listening to Garrison Keillor, Vivaldi, coffee spoons and a few scotch and waters. He would regularly hold council with his buddies at the Gobblers Roost in Grafton and pal around with his cousin, Gene Bruesewitz at the Chevy dealership their fathers founded.

When he wasn't 'up town' he'd often kept in touch with family, including his younger sister, Barbara Hansen and her husband, Jay who live in Seattle, Washington. Barb and Jay's oldest, Eric Hansen and his wife, Angela have a child, Abigail in Albany, Oregon. Barb and Jay's youngest, Jennifer Schripsema and her husband, Mike reside in Korea (USAF).

Jack's younger brother, Richard and his wife, Catherine have three children. Their oldest, Debbie lives in Corvallis; just down the road from her sister, Laura and Joel Davis. The Davis family includes a daughter, Sarah and son, Aaron. Michael Kuehn, Dick and Kay's youngest son, is married to wife, Alaina and resides in Glendale, California.

Jack lost his mother, Clara (White) Kuehn in 1974 and his father, Alvin Emil Kuehn in 1989.

Those who knew him often remark on his sense of humor, love of people and generosity. His family is grateful to the town of Grafton for being the village that raised, loved and cared for a wonderful man whose memory is alive in their hearts. Your warm embrace was Jack's comfort and anchor.

Memorials for Jack are suggested for the Grafton Depot Historical Association and the American Cancer Society.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 15, 2006, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson AIM officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Grafton American Legion Post 616, at 10:00 a.m., at the Grafton Cemetery. Following the memorial service, there will be a luncheon and story telling session at the church.

Arrangements for the service are being managed by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, Iowa.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Georgia A. Hall

March 1, 2006, page 11

Georgia A. (Butler) Hall, 87, of Northwood, died on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 25, at 1:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Interment was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was Friday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood and then one hour before the service on Saturday at the church.

Georgia was born on December 1, 1918, on the family farm in rural Northwood, Iowa, the daughter of Irving and Esther (Johnson) Butler. She was baptized and confirmed in the North Shell Rock Lutheran Church. She received her education in the Northwood and Kensett School Systems.

She was an active member and worker in church activities and circle at the First Lutheran Church.

Georgia married Floyd Hall on March 22, 1942, on her family farm in rural Northwood. They lived on her husband’s family farm in the Kensett area before moving to a farm near Kensett. They moved to Northwood in 1973. She was employed at Fleetguard in Lake Mills for ten years before retiring.

Georgia loved baking, crocheting, word puzzles, playing cards, spending time with her family, friends and especially with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd Hall, Northwood; three sons, Robert Hall and his wife, Vickie of Northwood, Dennis Hall and his wife, Beverly of Mason City and Wayne Hall and his wife, Mary Jean of Red Oak, Texas; seven grandchildren, David Hall of Needles, California, Daniel Hall and his wife, Denise of Forest City, Iowa, Douglas Hall and his wife, Amber of Kronewetter, Wisconsin, Darren Hall of San Diego, California, Minda Jones and her husband, Michael of Mason City, Lance Hall of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Amie Holloway of Dallas, Texas; six great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Esther Butler; her brothers, Leighton and Vernon Butler; and one sister, Elaine Basgall; and one great-grandson, Jayden Van Dyke.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Dean Otto Myran

March 15, 2006, page 9

Dean Otto Myran, 49, of Rosemount, Minnesota, died at 5:50 p.m., on Thursday, February 23, 2006, at his home in Rosemount, after a courageous battle with cancer. He left this world, surrounded by his family and friends.

Viewing and prayers were held at the Islamic Center of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, at 11:30 a.m., on Friday, February 24, 2006, and burial was at 1:30 p.m., in the Pleasant View Memorial Gardens, at Highway 13 and Portland Avenue, Burnsville, Minnesota.

Dean Otto Myran, was born on December 4, 1956, in Naeve Hospital, Albert Lea, the son of Joe and Marie (Madsen) Myran. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Myrtle, Minnesota.

He attended Glenville Schools in Glenville and graduated from the Glenville High School in 1975. Being the oldest child in the family, he was the first to join the Myran Family Dance Band at age 12, along with his parents, Joe and Marie, and later was joined by his sister, JoAnn and brother, Don. Together, the Myran Family recorded two long-play record albums in 1973 and 1976. Dean played the Hammond organ and trombone, but was an especially good tuba player and contributed his talents for six years, while also working on the 120-family dairy farm until high school graduation. Dean also played with the Grafton Boys, Mel’s Polka Bank, and his Uncle, Paul Madsen, along with various others.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1975 until 1979, received commendations as a sharpshooter, and also performed in the U.S. Marine Band for Presidents Ford, Carter and Clinton on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy in 1994.

He attended the Austin Community College, graduating with an Associate Degree with Honors and also attended Mankato State University, for approximately two years, taking computer science courses. He was employed by Wilson’s in Albert Lea, and various other places, until becoming employed by the State of Minnesota in 1988, where he worked the last 18 years in the road maintenance department, advancing to construction inspector, which included large bridge projects.

He was united in marriage to Khadija Moukrim of Casablanca, Morocco, on May 31, 1992, at the Islamic Center of Minnesota in Fridley, Minnesota. They lived in several areas of the Twin Cities before purchasing their present home in Rosemount in 2003. Dean was known for his big heart, generosity, willingness to help others and his light-hearted sense of humor with a goofy laugh.

He also was an avid online reader of Discover, National Geographic, PC Magazine, and Popular Science and always amazed us with his knowledge, which he enjoyed sharing. His heroes were not part of the popular culture, but rather, those whose contribution made a difference to all. President Lincoln for keeping the country together during the civil war, Jonas Salk for the polio vaccine and Bill Gates for Microsoft.

Dean enjoyed tinkering in his garage with his tool collection and eating Godfather’s taco pizza. But his greatest love and enjoyment was his family and his role as a husband and father, especially in taking his four young daughters out on fun outings. Dean’s life was so precious to us and his memory we’ll forever treasure.

He is survived by his wife, Khadija Moukrim; daughters, Belikeyce, Khansaa, Saraa and Asmaa; sister, JoAnn and children, Lucy and Andy of Burnsville/Lakeville; his brother, Don (Lisa) and children, Ariel (Bob) Goettel and Keri Myran and her fiancée, Seth Stadheim and their daughter, Vayda, all of Albert Lea; along with many loving and supportive aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is also survived by his wife’s family, her mother, Fatima of Casablanca; brother, Driss (Malkia) and children, Mehdi and Aya of Fridley; brother, Mohamed (Fatima) and daughters, Salma and Rim of Casablanca; brother, Said (Saida) and sons, Ishahel and Yahya of Casablanca; sister, Zohra (Ismahel) and sons, Riyan and Ilyas of Paris; sister, Mina (Majid Krkarimi) and daughter, Laila of Rosemount; and sister, Amaa (Ehallid) of Casablanca; and predeceased by father-in-law, Ahmed Moukrim.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and cousin, Mark Iverson.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Pauline Nielsen

March 8, 2006, page 9

Pauline Claire Nielsen, of Albert Lea, died on Friday, February 24, 2006, at the St. John’s Lutheran Home, where she had been a resident for the past 5 months.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 28, at the Manchester Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Reverend Dennis Schmidt officiated. Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends visited with family on Monday at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church.

Pauline was born on April 14, 1943, the daughter of Raymond and Pearl (Wright) Quam, at her aunt and uncle’s, Clarence and Lauretta Aanrud’s, home in Northwood. She grew up in rural Glenville on her grandparents, the Quam’s, home farm. She later lived and attended school in Northwood, Erskine, Minnesota, Bagley, Minnesota and Alden, Minnesota, where she attended high school.

On March 17, 1963, Pauline was united in marriage to Robert E. Nielsen, at the parsonage in Hartland. Four children were born to this union, Randy, Robert, Paul and Lowell. They later divorced.

She was a member of the Manchester Evangelical Lutheran Church. She worked outside the home at times but her main focus was her family. She loved her grandchildren more than anything. She also enjoyed many varieties of music, cards, dancing, Siamese cats, wrestling, and cooking—which was her specialty. She attended Albert Lea Vo-Tech and was very proud to have graduated with a degree in Special Foods and Delicatessen Catering II on May 31, 1984. She later worked for the Old Skyline Restaurant.

She is survived by her four sons and their families, Randy (Malinda) Nielsen and their children, Casey and Alex of Albert Lea, Robert (Laura) Nielsen of Waseca and their children, Sara, Andrew, Krystal, Joshua, Nicolas and Kaylee, Paul (Heather) Nielsen and their children, Jordan, Brady, and Cassandra of Albert Lea and Lowell Nielsen and his children, Tiffany (Justin “Sid”) and son, Braden, Tabatha, Tasha and Ty of Albert Lea; brother, Kenneth Quam of Northwood, Iowa; sisters, Kathleen (Ronald) Larson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Katherine (Lowell) Attig of Twin Lakes; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Steven Nielsen; and very dear friends, John and Louise Hillman; and pet friends, Charlie and Sammie.

Pauline will be remembered for her love of helping people any way she could. She reached her hand out to many time and time again, the loving Christian that she was. Blessed be her memory.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Z. Sadie Charlson

March 8, 2006, page 9

Z. Sadie Charlson, 82, of 598 410th Street, died on Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, with Rev. Sam Hamilton-Poore, officiating. Burial took place in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation was held at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Z. Sadie Charlson, was born on August 31, 1923 in Lake Mills, the daughter of Arthur and Pearl Olson. She was adopted by Martin and Gurine Dahiseide. Sadie attended country school and graduated from the Joice High School.

She was united in marriage to Sherman Charlson in 1940, at the Concordia Lutheran Church, Joice. They farmed near Joice all their married life until retiring. Sherman passed away on July 3, 1996. Sadie lived on the family farm for over 80 years. She was employed at Fleet Guard in Lake Mills, for 23 years as a fork lift operator.

Sadie was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City. Sadie loved to fish and travel with Sherman across the continental United States, Canada, Alaska, and the Scandinavian countries. She enjoyed baking, playing bingo, and taking bus trips.

Sadie will be greatly missed by her four daughters, Sharon (Ron) Lance of Cedar Falls, Gloria “LaRae” (Curtis) Hamilton of Escondido, California, Kathy Hebel of Mason City and Vickie Charlson of Joice; son, Steven (Darby) Charlson of Mission, Texas; seven grandchildren, Janice Glaspie of Cedar Falls, Deana Hughes of Escondido, California, Thad Hamilton of Escondido, California, Brad Charlson of Oceanside, California, Nicole Charlson of Salem, Oregon, Ryan Hebel of Fargo, North Dakota and Jessica Burchett of Salem, Oregon; three great-grandchildren, Danielle and Samantha Glaspie of Cedar Falls and Wyatt Hamilton of Escondido, California; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Bonnie; son-in-law, John; and grandson, Jared.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Odean Sola

March 8, 2006, page 9

Odean V. Sola, 77, of rural Glenville, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Jeff Wallager officiated. Interment was in the London Deer Creek Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Odean Vollum Sola, was born on December 12, 1928, to Ole and Ida Vollum Sola in rural Freeborn County. He attended grade school at District #125, rural London Township and graduated from the Lyle High School in 1946. Odean was baptized and confirmed at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, of which he was a life time member and held several positions.

On April 7, 1953, Odean was united in marriage to Lois Van Pelt in Austin. To this union a son, Gary and two daughters, Sharon and Sandra, were born. Odean served in the United States Army a short time and then farmed the land he loved so much until retirement. He also enjoyed his position as area manager for Triple F Feeds for 30 years. Odean served on several boards including the Lyle School Board for 15 years and the Freeborn-Mower Electric Co-op Board for 25 years.

Odean is survived by his wife, Lois of nearly 53 years; his son, Gary and wife, Marcia of Northwood; daughters, Sharon and husband, Mike Ellingson of Albert Lea and Sandra and husband, David Johnson of Glenville; five grandchildren, Scott and Laura Ellingson and Jennifer, Collin, and Sam Johnson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Mary Van Pelt; and nieces and nephews.

Odean was preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson in infancy.
© Northwood Anchor 2006