Odell Alan Kiesow

1941 - 2025

Odell Alan Kiesow, age 84 of Wakarusa, IN, died at 9:05 on Friday morning, May 2, 2025 at his residence. Odell was born on February 18, 1941 in Peoria, IL to Otis and Kathryn (Stever) Kiesow. He served his country in the U.S. Army as an MP and mechanic during the 1965 Dominican conflict. Odell grew up in Florida and lived the majority of his married life in the Wakarusa area. Odell married Bonnie Louise Horne on December 28 in Elkhart, IN, and they made their home in Wakarusa. He owned and operated Odell’s Auto Service in Wakarusa from 1985-2001. He attended Northside Baptist Church in Elkhart and enjoyed teaching children about the Lord. He worked with Amazing Grace Mission for 20 years. Above all, Odell was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bonnie Kiesow of Wakarusa; three children: Odell (Rhoda) Kiesow of Tippecanoe, IN, Rebekah (Jordan) Gaspar of South Bend, and Gazelle (Daniel) Ibarra of South Bend; six grandchildren: Bryan Kiesow, Jordan, Jacob and Marcelina Gaspar, and Tanya and Rachel Ibarra; five great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Wesley, Alexander and Elijah Kiesow, and Mark Ibarra. He is also survived by his brother, Paul (Antonette) Kiesow of Carlisle, PA. Odell was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Ryan Kiesow. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at the church of their wedding, Northside Baptist Church, 53198 County Rd 9, Elkhart, IN 46514. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Pastor Carl Henry officiating, with burial to follow in South Union Cemetery, Nappanee, IN. Memorial contributions in Mr. Kiesow's name can be made to  Northside Baptist Church, Center for Hospice Care, or Child Evangelism.