Edwin O. Odegard

Edwin O. Odegard was born on November 6, 1922 into a large farm family in Wyndmere, North Dakota. Just shortly after the first influenza pandemic. One of six brothers and three sisters, he adored his family. After school, his mother would serve them a bowl of soup, usually bean with a chunk of ham to sweeten the broth before they had to head back out and tend to the animals and the daily chores. That soup must have been magic, because for 100 years, any type of bean soup was Dad’s first choice for lunch and dinner, and please don’t skip on the ham. He served in World War II as a PFC. in the 3rd Infantry Reg. 23rd Corps of the US Army from 1944 to 1946. He returned from the war, honorably discharged and worked for a grocer driving truck, as a mechanic and for his parents on the farm. Previously, his brother, Talbert aka “Tubb” had married Ruth Qualley and from that union Dad met my Mother, Marilyn Qualley. May 27, 1949, Edwin and Marilyn tied the knot and honeymooned in Minneapolis, returning the following day. A few years later, Mom accepted a teaching position in Billings, Montana where Dad worked as a mason, traveling the state and Wyoming building homes, and epic mountain lodges out of brick, cut stone and river stone. Working for himself, and together with his best friend and fellow contractor Lyle Borgan, they created lasting treasures in the treasure state, a testament to their talent. He and Mom were charter members of Atonement Lutheran Church, Billings, MT, Dad donating his time, money and talent to build the sanctuary on the original building off of Wicks Lane. I am their only child, arriving in 1968. He always called me Paula Kaye. He was the best Dad, coming home, exhausted, smelling of mortar from laying brick, he would throw a softball to me till Mom called us in for supper, playing shoots and ladders until it was time for my bath, whatever I asked, he was there. I remember one late fall night, he accidently hit our old cat, Packey, in the driveway with his Pinto station wagon. He sold the car the foIlowing week, never wanting to be in it again. You see, Vikings don’t necessarily like to feel all the feels, and he loved his animals. Mom died in 1998, her final years being cared for by my Father. Her death was hastened by negligent care in a Montana nursing home, which shaped the choices about how Dad would be cared for. He moved to NY in 2013, quickly making friends and creating his new home in Chatham. His carpentry shop, his golf cart, his Tahoe, his dog Gigi, his cigars, his appearance on Dr. Oz all became a part of his persona “VikingDad”. But most of all it was his kindness, his love to gab, his attention to detail, his sharp memory and wit that made him so very special to all that knew him. Edwin Odegard, Uncle Eddie, VikingDad, Pops, Daddy died peacefully at the ripe old age of 100 in the early hours of December 14, 2022 in his home, with his daughter and his dog by his side. Cardinals arrived at dawn, a sign that heaven was full of family rejoicing in this final reunion. He leaves behind his son-in-law Paul Colarusso, of Chatham, who always kept that 1975 Olds in tip top shape, Step-Grandsons, Paul Jr., and Antonio, that he constantly asked about, making sure both were ok. His many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that he adored. He is also survived by his favorite sister-in-law, Mrs. Helma Mitchell, of Fargo, ND who held a special place in his heart, especially when she served the good donuts. Visitation will be held from 4pm to 6 pm on Monday, December 26th at Bates and Anderson Funeral Home, Hudson, NY. Internment will be in Montana at a later date. A celebration of life will be scheduled in NY this summer. In lieu of all flowers, donations can be made in honor of Edwin Odegard to the “Pave the Way Fund” at Maria College, 700 New Scotland Ave. Albany, NY 12208

Edwin O. Odegard

November 6, 1922 - December 14, 2022

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Edwin O. Odegard

November 6, 1922 - December 14, 2022

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