Terry Lee Odle

Terry Lee Odle, 74, of rural Chatfield, Minnesota entered the presence of his Lord on October 13, 2022.  Terry was born in Fremont, Nebraska on February 24, 1948 as the second of three sons to Merida and Charlotte (Osburn) Odle. Terry’s growing up years were spent on the family farm near Herman, Nebraska. He was a 1966 graduate of Hooper High School in Hooper, Nebraska. After high school Terry attended Universal Trade School in Omaha. Terry worked as a mechanic and in construction for a few years until he was hired at the then new Iowa Beef Packers plant in West Point, Nebraska. Terry worked at IBP for nearly two decades in a variety of positions. Terry met the love of his life, Janice Anderson, when they were still teenagers, and they married on January 12, 1968. The Odles raised four children of their own, Kris, Patrick, Jennifer and Michelle, while also fostering over 200 other kids, many of whom still call them Mom and Dad.

Terry made the most important decision of his life when he trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 1985. Shortly after this life-changing decision, the Odle family moved to Chatfield, Minnesota where the family has resided since then. From 1985 until 2017 Terry worked for Tuohy Furniture Company in Chatfield. Terry was known for being a gentle giant by those who knew him well. In his free time, he loved to hunt, especially deer, pheasants and squirrels. Some of his kids’ and grandkids’ favorite memories of Terry are from the times they spent hunting or shooting with him. He also took great pride in his large garden and loved sharing what he had grown with family and friends. Terry loved his family dearly and everyone he met. Terry is survived by wife, Jan; daughter, Kristine (Rich) Young of Dover; son, Patrick (Ruth) Odle of LaGrange, OH; daughter, Jennifer (Cody) Meyer of Wykoff; and daughter, MiChelle (Nazario) Porras of Lewiston; as well as those who were like children to him, Travis (Jessi) Anderson of Rochester and Lindsay Anderson of St. Charles. He is also survived by his brother James (Sandy) Odle of Hooper, Nebraska, twenty-five grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition, hundreds of foster children who still think of him as a dad, join in mourning the loss of Terry. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Merida and Charlotte (Osburn) Odle, brother, Robert, grandchildren, Dalton Clement and Anastasia Odle, and great-granchild, Tian Finley.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Chatfield on Monday, October 17 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 AM. After the service, a lunch will be served, hosted by the ladies of Arise Christian Church of Stockton. Terry’s son, Dr. Patrick Odle, will officiate the service, along with Pastor Mike Beerman of Arise Christian Church. Visitation will be held at Riley Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 16.

Riley Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Odle family with arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.