Gary T. Odegaarden

HOFF FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE - RUSHFORD 507-864-7771RUSHFORD, MINN. - Gary T. Odegaarden, 69, of Rushford, Minn. died on Monday, September 17, 2012, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis.Gary was born on July 24, 1943, in Winona, Minn. to Chester O. and Mabel (Madland) Odegaarden. He was raised in the Winona and Lanesboro areas. Gary married Ileen Fox on July 8, 1978. He worked in the auto body industry for several years. He also worked at the Schueler Mink Ranch in Rushford. Gary was a master of all trades and was a perfectionist at all he did. He was a member of the Eagles Club. Gary enjoyed drawing, fishing, canning, baking, cooking, making people laugh and was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He is survived by his wife, Ileen; a son, Tom Odegaarden of Scottsdale, Ariz.; three step-children: Shirley Anderson of Tucson, Ariz., Jerrold Anderson of New Albin, Iowa, and Duane (Debbie) Anderson of Fountain City, Wis.; three grandchildren: Jasmine, Eric and Marcus; two sisters: Claris (Ronald) Thompson of Minnetonka, Minn. and Carol Hatlevig of Rushford; and by many nieces and nephews.Gary was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Marion and Sonja.The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 21, at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford with funeral celebrant John Wagenaar officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford.
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