Walter Olaf Odegaard

Walter O. Odegaard, 92 a long time businessman of Devils Lake died on Monday, December 8, 2008 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Walter will be held on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Naomi Garber will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be held at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as casket bearers will be Walt’s grandsons, Rob Knorr, Steve Knorr, Mike Odegaard, Eric Odegaard, Ryan Odegaard, Wade Odegaard and Brad Larson, Jr. and great grandson, Brett Wentz. Music will be provided by Russell and Lynda Pearson. Walter Olaf was born on July 6, 1916 in Hazel, Minnesota, the son of Ole and Amanda (Peterson) Odegaard. He was raised and educated in the Thief River Falls area of Minnesota and graduated from St. Hilaire High School, St. Hilaire, Minnesota. Walter then graduated from Moler Barber College of Fargo. Walter was united in marriage to Marren Kenner on July 1, 1939 in St. Hilaire. They established their home in Hazel and farmed for several years. In 1946, they moved to Devils Lake and he began his life long career as a barber. He owned and operated several barbershops in Devils Lake and retired from Walt’s Barbershop in 1978. During his career, Walt continued his education in California and was a certified Master Barber in three states. After retiring, Walt and Marren spent winters in Arizona. Marren died on August 31, 1999. Walt was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Odd Fellows and the Elks Lodge. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had cabins on several lakes including Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, Wood Lake and the west shore of Creel Bay on Devils Lake. He loved spending time with his many dear friends and family. Walter is survived by his children: Cheri Knorr and her husband, Robert of Coleharbor, ND; Wayne Odegaard and his wife, Pam of Rugby, ND; Jeri Lynn Larson and her husband, Brad of Devils Lake; Daughter-In-Law; Kathy Odegaard of Bismarck, ND Fifteen Grandchildren: Alyssa (Will) Hollier, Alonna (John) Norberg, Renae (Kevin) Beeter, Rob (Anna Marie) Knorr, Steven (Margo) Knorr, Mike (Renae) Odegaard, Susan (Judge) Barth, Eric Odegaard, Ryan (Corinne) Odegaard, Wade Odegaard, Andrea (Ryan) Frieler-Odegaard, Tanya (Dennis) Wentz, Brad (Chris) Larson Jr., Cheri Lynn (Shawn) Martinson and Aimee Larson. Twenty-Four Great Grandchildren: Olivia, William and Robert Hollier; Grant, Isabella and Marren Norberg; Lucas and Nicholas Beeter; Robert Preston Knorr; Collin and Camryn Knorr; Thomas and Casey Odegaard; Brett, Haley, Jenna and Kara Wentz; Steven and Ryan Hoffner and Nathan Larson; Blair, Jailyn, Jolie and Jenae Martinson; Brother: Reuben Odegaard of Arleta, California Special Friend: Shirley Bertsch of Devils Lake Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Walt was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marren; son, Walter Jr. and a son in infancy and three brothers, Oscar, Morris and Harvey Odegaard.