Ralph Leon Odden

Ralph Leon Odden, age 81 of Frontenac, died at his home on April 6, 2012. Ralph was born on February 15, 1931 to Ralph and Leota (Prichard) Odden in Ellsworth, WI. Ralph grew up in Ellsworth then moved to Florence Township where he attended country school, while working on the family farm and neighboring farms. Ralph entered the United States Army on July 19, 1950. He served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged on November 14, 1953. He married Darlene Steffenhagen on September 6, 1952 at St John's Lutheran Church in Frontenac. After the service, Ralph and Darlene lived in Frontenac. They moved to Cherry Valley, Illinois in 1965 where Ralph worked for the Chrysler Corporation. In the spring of 1972, they returned to Minnesota and resided in Zumbro Falls where Ralph served as Mayor and worked at Diacro. They moved to Old Frontenac in the fall of 1987. He enjoyed camping, NASCAR, and cutting wood with family. Ralph was also an avid and successful vegetable gardener. Ralph was a member of St John's Lutheran Church in Frontenac, Lake City VFW Post # 8729, and the Frontenac Sportsmen's Club.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Darlene Odden of Frontenac; his four children, Patricia (Bill) Rolsch of Blaine, Linda Odden of Rochester, Ralph Odden Jr. of Lake City, David Odden of Plainview; three grandchildren, Melanie, Heather, Erik; one half brother, Richard Thimijan of College Park, MD; and two half sisters, Ruby and Rosallie.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; half brother, Lawrence Thimijan; and grandson, Brent Rolsch.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 9, 2012 at St John's Lutheran Church in Frontenac with Reverend Christopher Hoppe officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Frontenac Cemetery. Military honors will be provided at the cemetery by the VFW Post # 8729 and the American Legion Post # 110. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

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Visitation

APR 9. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

St Johns Lutheran Church - Frontenac
33685 Germania Street
Frontenac, MN 55026

Service

APR 9. 11:00 AM (CDT)

St Johns Lutheran Church - Frontenac
33685 Germania Street
Frontenac, MN 55026

Cemetery

APR 9 (CDT)

Frontenac Cemetery
Frontenac, MN 55026