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Russell Odegaard Obituary
Ankeny
Russell Odegaard, 80, passed away Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines. Russ was born July 5, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Evangeline and Leonard Odegaard. As a child, he spent a lot of time visiting his Grandma Minnie in Fairfax, MN.
He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. In 1966, Russ earned his Masters Degree from Drake University. His greatest passion was teaching high school for the Des Moines Public Schools, but on the weekends he was a music disc jockey for WHO Radio in Des Moines from 1970-1989.
Russ was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and was a member of the Sons of Norway. He was also a member of American Legion Post #42. He enjoyed magic, puppetry, music, trivia, photography, painting, cartooning, art, traveling, interviewing country music artists and comedy.
Russ is survived by his wife of 57 years, Romayne; six children, Len (Patti) Odegaard, Larry (Dottie) Odegaard, Leif Odegaard, Lorri Lynde, Linda (Bill) Blubaugh, and Lance (Mitzi) Odegaard; 12 grandchildren, Tiffany, Jeremy, Angie, Amanda, Jesica, Sara, Ben, Isiah, Zach, Noah, Derrick and Justin; as well as 12 great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 4, 2012 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Legion Post 42, the V.A. Hospital, or New Direction Fellowship of God in loving memory of Russ.
Online condolences may be made to: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Odegaard
Andie Black
October 22, 2012
It is a great loss that Dan Reed has created in my life. He was a great and close friend and I will miss him greatly.
Andie Black
October 20, 2012
I first met Russ while I was a student at Tech in 1961 to 1963. He was a great teacher and made learning fun. His brother Dave was my best friend so I got to know Russ as a friend and mentor over the years. I still think about the inside jokes he played at WHO on Jim and Dwayne. His immitations were perfect. Losing Russ was a very sad thing for me. My thoughts are with you all.
Gary Samouris
October 5, 2012
Len & Patti
Its been so many years ago that we were neighbors on 38th street. You were wonderful neighbors and good friends. So sorry for your loss, sending condolences to you and yours.
Respectfully,
Renae Bushman-Choda
Tammy Shuff Thompson
October 4, 2012
Mr. Odegaard was a great teacher, one I have never forgotten. He could really light up a room with his humor and was always respectful to everyone.
The world lost a great man..
KDPS 78-81 Class of 1981
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Jason Quintana
October 3, 2012
To find the words to say to a man bigger than life. Mr. "O" was to some of us was the beginning of life's pathways and careers. I have thought about Mr. "O" through the years and even reached out to him a while back. Not for anything more just to say "HI" and hear him say one of his jokes you hear a million times. The DesMoines community lost a great leader and a wonderful teacher. I know right now, he is looking down not only at his immediate family, but his extended family of radio and television professionals he called his kids. We will miss you!! Jason "Jay Quinn" Quintana Central Campus '86-'88
October 3, 2012
What can you say i loved the man he was a great mentor and a great teacher/broadcaster will miss him greatly Ron Carpenter aka Ron Dean K.D.P.S 88.1 fm class of 1984 Tech.high
Sandy Halls Straker
October 3, 2012
My thoughts and prayers with Russ's family. I knew Russ through his wonderful mother, Grandma Van. We were neighbors to Grandma Van, many years ago. What a wonderful family! Lori O. and I were "dance moms" at Carol Tetemeyer's Dance Studios, again that has been a few years ago. Thinking of you and sending my prayers.
Tammy Carrizales-Eklov
October 2, 2012
Rest in peace Mr.O. You were a great teacher and I never tired of your stories. You will be missed
Kimberly Porter
October 2, 2012
He made Film Arts one of my favorite classes at North. My condolences to his family.
Holli Howe
October 2, 2012
While I didn't have Mr. Odegaard as a teacher at Tech, I do know his students all loved him.
Tim Glas
October 2, 2012
Just heard! I was thinking of Mr O last week. So sorry I didn't get to see him recently. He made a profound positive influence on me at Tech High School in Radio/TV. Thanks for the memories Mr O!
Tim Glas aka The Beast, aka Tommy Rich
KDPS 88.1 FM Radio 1982 - 1985 Tech HS
Larry Johnson
October 2, 2012
He will be greatly missed
Gary Timmons
October 2, 2012
Mr. Odegaard was our debate coach at North 72-75. Knew nothing about debate but took the time to learn and coached us well, he was just that kind of person. He'll be missed by all on that team. RIP Dan Reed
October 2, 2012
You touched the lives of so many individuals and will be missed by all. Rest in Peace.
M Mills
October 2, 2012
Mr O was my favorite teacher at Tech High School. He was the teacher that I would never forget, he treated everyone with respect. Mr O will be greatly missed.
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