John M. Odegard, age 88, of Merrill, died Thursday, October 6, 2011, at Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.
John was born August 21, 1923, in the town of Harrison, Lincoln County, son of the late Matthew and Helga (Loka) Odegard. He married Marjorie Wold on November 22, 1945, in Merrill. She preceded him in death on August 1, 1999. John served with the Merrill Police Department for 27 years, and retired as a sergeant. John served on the City of Merrill Transit Committee, and also drove bus for the “Merrill Go-Round” and Peterson Bus Service. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, playing pool, and watching baseball. Survivors include two daughters, Peggy (Rod) Heyerdahl, Appleton, and Mary (Gary) Barr, Mosinee; two sons, Robert (Lana) Odegard, and Richard (Michelle) Odegard, both of Merrill; nine grandchildren, Sherri and Terry Woller, Kelly, Jacob, and Erin Pankratz, and Josh , Courtney, Jason, and Casey Odegard; and ten great grandchildren. John is preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia; and six siblings, Louis, Oscar, and Helen Odegard, Gertrude Olson, Mabel Storm, and Clara Meyers.
The funeral will be at 1:30 P.M. Monday, October 10, 2011, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Maurice Schaus will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Sunday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 12 Noon Monday at the church.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.