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 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 greatgrandchildren. 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

Online condolences can be sent at: www.dunnigandix.com