Stuart "Lenny" Odegard

Stuart Lenwick Odegard, age 84, of Mondovi, who was known to all as Lenny Odegard, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi with his loving family at his side.

He was born on January 4, 1941, in Wyoming, to the late Sanford Lenwick and Agnes Caroline (Werlein) Odegard.

Lenny attended Mondovi area schools, graduating from Mondovi High School with the class of 1959. Following graduation, Lenny enlisted to the United States Army, serving his country with honor courage.

On August 29, 1964, Lenny was united in marriage to Carmen Jackson at Central Lutheran Church and to this union seven children were born. Carmen preceded Lenny in death following a courageous battle with cancer on June 20, 2008.

Lenny married Sadie Hoverson, at their home in May 2010. Together they shared love, comfort and companionship.

After proudly serving his country, he built a long career at Fehr Concrete, later known as County Concrete, working as a foreman, manufacturing bridge girders. Lenny took great pride in his work and loved pointing out bridges to his family, reminding them, with a smile, that he helped build them. A disabling work accident led to his retirement in the early 1990s.

Lenny had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in fishing for crappies, sunfish, trout, salmon snagging, and seining smelt. He loved the excitement and camaraderie of deer and coon hunting, especially near his hunting shack in Thompson Valley. He loved reading, oftentimes finishing a book in one day. Wherever he went, his dog was close by his side; his most cherished companion was Timmy.

Lenny created countless memories fishing and cruising the lakes of Chetek, where he and his family enjoyed many happy times together. They also enjoyed many camping trips throughout the years. Lenny was well known for his love of country music, often singing along ------- “He liked to listen to his music, not have it beaten into him!” He had a gift for storytelling and a remarkable ability to connect with others.

Lenny was blessed with many grandchildren. He often began conversations with them by saying, “I have a job for you,” and his joyful spirit was reflected in his favorite expression, “finer than frogs’ hair.” He truly enjoyed the company of others and will be remembered for always being in a hurry to get nowhere.

Lenny is survived by his wife, Sadie; children, Lori (Peter) Boos, Mike (Rachel) Odegard, Jeff (Jennifer) Odegard, Jason (Kim) Odegard, Jeremy (Amber) Odegard and Josh (Samantha) Odegard; stepchildren, Roxie (Greg) Ulness, Gary (Rhonda) Hoverson and Ann Hoverson; 17 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; siblings, Margie Wright-Rice, Gerald (Mary) Odegard, John Odegard and Jean Bauer; sisters-in-law, Karen (Fred) Seyforth and Sandy Jackson; also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, Lenny was preceded in death by his first wife, Carmen; son, William Odegard; siblings, Alvin “Sandy” (Lana) Odegard, Cecil Odegard, William “Billy” Odegard, Patricia (Gary) O’Connell, Audrey Passe, and brothers-in-law, Dennis Jackson and Jim Bauer and his lifelong friend, Eddie Schultz.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the American Lutheran Home staff, especially Lizzy who made a special connection with Lenny in a short time, and to St Croix Hospice for their assistance in this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Valley of the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mondovi with Michael Isaacson, SAM officiating. A memorial gathering will also be held on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. Full military rites to honor Lenny’s dedicated service to his Country will be held immediately following the service at the church.