Ann L. Odegaard, 83

Ann Odegaard (83) passed away November 12, 2023 at Prairie Manor in Blooming Prairie, MN after a 2 ½ year struggle with sarcoma cancer. Ann was born October 14, 1940 at the family farm home of Melvin and Thora (Thoreson) Ring near Wanamingo, MN. Ann was baptized, confirmed and married at Wanamingo Lutheran Church. She married Dale Odegaard June 12, 1965 and they enjoyed 58 years together. She attended Holton Country School, Wanamingo Public School (Class of 1958) and graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN in 1962 with a degree in home economics vocational education and a science minor.

Ann was a Home Economics/Family Life Consumer Educator for over 30 years in Houston, Cambridge, Rose Creek and Austin (MN) Public Schools. She retired in 2000 from the Unified Arts Program at Austin Ellis Middle School.

In 1965 Dale and Ann moved to Austin, MN where they lived for the rest of her life. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin was their church family and Ann was an active member in many facets of church life. Ann participated in many community organizations including Sons of Norway, Mower County Horticulture Society, AAUW Branch, PEO Chapter BZ, REAM, SEREAM and Austin Area Retired Educators.

Ann is survived by her husband, Dale; son, Davin (Jill) Odegaard; daughter, Darica (Jeff) Nelson; sister, Vernice (Bernie) Bishop; and brother, Merlin (Janet) Ring. Ann had numerous passions in life including family, friends, neighbors, gardening, home décor for all seasons and cooking. Traveling was an interest Ann shared with Dale and over the years they visited all 50 states, multiple national parks, all presidential libraries and foreign destinations on many continents.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend Mark VanHouse officiating. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of the service at the church with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church-Austin General Fund or Flower Fund, The Hormel Institute for Cancer Research or the organization of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the Mayo Clinic of Rochester and Austin, Mayo Hospice, and Prairie Manor of Blooming Prairie for their excellent care.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.