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Odilia Dank Obituary
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
20 Entries
Mary Dunn
August 24, 2013
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.
Mark Harter
August 23, 2013
Our most sincere condolences to the Dank Family.
Mark Harter and Family
August 23, 2013
Dear Uncle David: Praying for you, much love, mariana vaughan
How you can show support
Jenifer & Steven Jones
August 23, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the family during this most difficult of times.
August 23, 2013
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 you. May you rest in peace until we meet again.
xoxo,
Laura
John Nance
August 21, 2013
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 Stateswoman. My wife and I now live in Houston, Texas. We send our sincere sympathy to David and her family as they grieve this great loss.
May you be comforted by your faith, family and friends.
Rep and Mrs John Nance
Former Bethany, Oklahoma residents
August 21, 2013
May you find comfort in the happy memories of your loved one until you are reunited.
August 21, 2013
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
August 21, 2013
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. May all be comforted by the wonderful promise: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. Neither mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
John and Cheryl Williams
August 21, 2013
Our lives were made richer by knowing Odilia and her kindness and grace. She will be remembered for the good things she did to better this world through her service to Oklahoma and the Republican Party. Our prayers are with you in the days ahead.
Jane Dowling
August 21, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Dwayne Bickham
August 21, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Steve Parrott
August 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I had the pleasure of having her as one of my teachers at Monroney Junior High in Midwest City. May you rest in peace
August 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope with such a loss. 2Cor1:4 Please let the wonderful memories of joyful times spent together help to ease your pain.
G. Freeman
August 20, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nan Graham
August 20, 2013
Odilia showed us all how to live a life of kindness, warmth & concern for others. We will miss her smiles, her determination to do what was right, not only to talk about it.
I am so pleased that the Flag, by order of the Governor, will fly at half mast from this past Monday until August 28th, to honor Odilia's life of integrity & her years of service to the people of Oklahoma.
David, my heart goes out to you for your sorrow at her long illness, but how wonderful to have shared so many years of your life with our Odilia.
I had the pleasure of first knowing Odilia as a much admired & active neighbor in Edgewater.
Fondly, Nan Graham
Green Family
August 20, 2013
We are saddened to hear about Odilia. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and love from our heart for your loss during this time.
P.J. G.
August 20, 2013
My condolences to the family of Odilia Dank for the passing of your loved one, and may God the hearer of prayer as spoken of at Psalm 65:2 help you to endure this time of distress and grant you peace.
August 20, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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