Odell, Vivadelle Doreen (1925-2019)

ODELL, YOUNGBERG, JOHNSON, BADGER, GREENE, BRECHLER, WALKUP, KAUFFMAN, TAYLOR

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 8/20/2019 at 18:14:10

Vivadelle Odell
February 17, 1925 ~ May 7, 2019 (age 94)

Vivadelle Odell, age 94, of Albert City, Iowa, died on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Albert City.

Mrs. Vivadelle Doreen Youngberg Odell (Viv), a daughter of Joel and Hazel (Johnson) Youngberg, was born in Albert City, Iowa, on February 17, 1925. After graduating from Albert City High School, she attended North Park University (then North Park College) in Chicago, Illinois, where she earned an associate's degree in 1942.

The North Park community continued to play a significant role in Viv’s life. There, in 1966, she met and married Frank Odell, the love of her life. There, she worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students and the Dean of Women for over forty years while investing in the lives of hundreds of students. There, she formed countless friendships she held dear every day of her life. There, she blessed her nieces and nephews as they attended the school during their college years.

In addition, she served in many capacities over the years at North Park Covenant Church including that of Sunday School Superintendent, a member of the Diaconate, a teacher, and a valued participant in the choir. Moreover, in North Park’s mission statement, we see Viv’s heart and character mirrored so beautifully. These words provide us with an understanding of what attracted her to this fine institution as she, too, with her “uncommon character, persevered in excellence at the point where faith, learning, and service meet as she, truly, lived a “life of significance and service.” Indeed, she made North Park and the Covenant Church into a lifetime passion.

Viv and Frank continued to live in Chicago until 1988 when they moved to rural Pocahontas. Then, in 2000, they moved to their home in Albert City, and in 2016 Viv, transitioned to the Pleasant View Nursing Home after suffering a broken leg. On May 7, 2019, she passed away peacefully after seeing many of her beloved family members a few last times.

Much of Viv’s joy in life came with her husband, Frank, who preceded her in death. Together, they traveled, enjoyed working in their garden, and spent many hours at family and church activities. Much like her husband, Viv became a willing worker in anything God called her to do.

Albert City Covenant Church became as another pillar of Viv’s life. Baptized and confirmed here in her youth, she served in various capacities upon her move back to Iowa including with the Midweek Kid’s Club, the Church Choir, and as Church Secretary. As with any person with whom she interacted, the church was extremely blessed by her generosity and heart for service.

In addition, Viv, actively, participated in many community events including the Red Hatters Club and the Straw Horse, a local boutique in Albert City where she worked. But more than anything else, Viv made her love for the Lord and his kingdom her life’s work. Her life points in the direction she has gone, and we praise God for the assurance that our beloved sister is safe in her heavenly home with the Christ whom she loved and served.

A Great Aunt to 20 and a Great Great Aunt to 25, she exemplified the word ‘great’ not only in describing the familial relationship but also the lasting impact she had. Her large, extended family never felt “extended.” To Viv, family was family, and she treated everyone as such.

Her legacy will be one of loyalty, sacrifice, generosity, hospitality, and devotion to the Lord that will be felt for generations to come.

Vivadelle’s life and memories will always be honored and cherished by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank H. Odell; her brother Arlyn K. Youngberg; and her sisters and brothers-in-law: Mary (Badge) Badger, Helen (John) Greene, and Joseph (Mary) Odell; and her nephew, Dan (Ruth) Odell. of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Mark (Karin) Youngberg, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Brian (Alena) Youngberg, of Apple Valley, Minnesota; Corrin (Ron) Brechler, of Laurens, Iowa, Sheldon (Marianne) Youngberg, of Pocahontas, Iowa, Sharon (Brad) Walkup, of Des Moines, Iowa, Karen Kauffman, of Marion, Illinois, and Shirley Taylor, of Panama City Beach, Florida; twenty great nieces and nephews; twenty-five great, great nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Elsa Lenore Youngberg.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Albert City. Burial will follow in the Fairfield Township Cemetery in Albert City. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2019, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the CHURCH. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Sliefert Funeral Homes, Albert City, Iowa, 2019.

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