H. Dennis Odegard

Harland Dennis Odegard, 90, passed away on March 7, 2025 in Arizona. Dennis was born to Gunda (Goldie) and Jens Odegard on August 24, 1934 in Fargo, N.D. Dennis graduated from Moorhead High School in 1952 and North Dakota State University in 1956. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and then served for 27 years as a weapons systems officer in the Fargo Air National Guard, retiring in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He loved his years as a “Happy Hooligan”, treasuring his time flying, and the life long friendships made.

On December 19, 1957 Dennis married the love of his life Marva Thorstenson in Harlingen, TX to whom he was married over 63 years, before her passing in 2021. They were a wonderful couple, who complimented and supported each other throughout their lives together. The couple had three children Sue, Sally and Tom; as well as five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Dennis was a kind, loving and fun husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a wonderful dry wit, and an infectious smile. He treasured and was so dedicated to his family. He loved to cheer on his kids and grandkids at their various sports and activities. As he said at his 60th birthday party “a man can be rich in many ways, and tonight I feel like the richest man in the world” as he looked around the table at his family.

Dennis was such a hard working farmer and provider. He loved farming, and it was such a big part of who he was. He never really retired, staying active on the farm and treasured working with his son Tom.

Dennis was involved with his community having served as President of the Georgetown Elevator Board, as a Supervisor for the Kragnes Township, as President of North Buffalo Church Council and as a member of the President’s Agricultural Club at NDSU, as well as the Agassiz Club.

Dennis was smart, thoughtful and industrious. He was known to play fun pranks and create things in his shop. He could truly fix or build anything. As he would say, “if he wasn’t moving, he wasn’t living”. Up until the very end, he was constantly on the move- traveling, reading, and walking countless steps a day.

Dennis loved to cheer on the Bison as a long time season ticket holder, as well as the Moorhead Spuds hockey team. He so enjoyed taking friends and family on his pontoon on the Red River, setting off fireworks on the 4th of July and donning a mask on Halloween. He loved ice cream, time in La Jolla (especially the beautiful sunsets) and walking in the woods on the farm.

Dennis lived his life fully until the end, passing away while cheering on the Spuds hockey team with his family. He was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure.

Dennis is survived by his children Sue (Bob) Dale, Moorhead, MN; Sally (Bill) Pope, Paradise Valley, AZ; Tom (Nicole) Odegard, Georgetown, MN; and grandchildren Kate (Charlie) Speer, Burnsville, MN; Emily (Sean) Richards, Midland, MI; Matt Dale, Moorhead, MN; Jacob Odegard, Scottsdale, AZ; Jadyn Odegard, Fargo, N.D. and great grandchildren Kaylee, Brooke and Addison Richards, and Colin Speer.

Memorial service: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead. Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. A livestream of the service will be available on Trinity’s website.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.

Memorials preferred to Farm Rescue and Trinity Lutheran Church.