Odilia-Dank-Obituary

Odilia Dank

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Obituary

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Odilia Dank, a former Oklahoma City legislator who became the first Republican to lead the House Education Committee, has died after a long battle with cancer, House officials said Monday.

Dank died Saturday at Oklahoma Heart Hospital, House officials said. She was 74.

A school teacher and counselor in the Oklahoma City and Mid-Del school districts for 28 years, Dank was elected to her House District 85 seat in northern Oklahoma City in 1994. She served in the Legislature for 12 years, until she was term limited in 2006. She also served as vice chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party and as a board member for the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System.

Her husband, David Dank, succeeded her in the House and currently holds the post.

"I am so grateful for the 36 years I had with Odilia and to all those who offered their support," Dank, R-Oklahoma City, said in a statement. "She was a great lady who had a tremendous impa ct on everyone who knew her."

House Speaker T.W. Shannon described Odilia Dank as a beloved member of the House and a "force to be reckoned with."

"She was a staunch advocate for education," Shannon, R-Lawton, said in a statement. "Her commitment to legislative transparency led to the 24-hour rule we operate under today. It requires us to post a bill for 24 hours before we can vote on it on the House floor."

Gov. Mary Fallin issued an executive order on Monday ordering all flags on state property to be flown at half-staff in Dank's honor from Friday until Monday, Aug. 26.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. A Rosary will be held at the church at 6:30 p.m. Friday.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I am so sorry to hear of Odilia's passing. She was such a great person. My thought and prayers go out to the family.

Our most sincere condolences to the Dank Family.

Mark Harter and Family

Dear Uncle David: Praying for you, much love, mariana vaughan

Our deepest sympathies to the family during this most difficult of times.

I have wonderful memories of you, Aunt O. You were always so caring and generous, incredibly engaging and always so positive, such a bright light. I will always remember the summers at your pool, the new year's day parties, the chocolate santas and the fact that you always remembered my birthday long after my childhood days were over. I really enjoyed our last conversation, and the card you sent me after. You were a wonderful influence on all of us medley kids, we were very lucky to know...

I was saddened to learn of the death of my friend, Odilia Dank. She was my mentor when I was elected to the House of Representatives, from District 90 in 1998. We shared one of the smallest offices not so affectionately called, "the vault" Her humor, patience, wisdom and integrity served her constituents well. She was an outstanding legislator. She was respected and accomplished great things for the education of our Oklahoma youth. It was my honor to serve with this fine Oklahoma...

May you find comfort in the happy memories of your loved one until you are reunited.

David,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May Odilia rest in peace with God our Father and may He give you strength and understanduing in this very difficult time.
Love,
Rock & Polly