Thomas C. "Tom" Odgaard Died 2018

PETERSEN, ODGAARD, KEPHART

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/15/2018 at 06:55:10

Sioux City Journal
9 April 2018

Ida Grove, Iowa- Died Sioux City

Thomas C. "Tom" Odgaard, 90, of Ida Grove, passed away Friday, April 6, 2018, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Faith Community Church in Ida Grove, with the Revs. Mark Aurand and Morris Hurd officiating. Burial will follow in Ida Grove Cemetery, with military rites conducted by McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. conducted by Alpine Lodge 471 AF & AM, at Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Tom was born to Cris and Nellie (Petersen) Odgaard at a hospital in Ida Grove. The family farmed southeast of Ida Grove, and also moved to Woodbury County for a number of years to continue farming. In 1942, they purchased the land southwest of Ida Grove, which he cherished until his death. He farmed within a mile of his brother and his wife, Chester and Virginia Hurd, and enjoyed many hours working together.

He attended rural country schools and especially excelled in math and history, along with all outdoor activities. Tom graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1946. Shortly after graduation, he proudly spent his first Army enlistment at Fort Sheridan, Ill. Tom met and then married the love of his life, Carol Kephart of Ida Grove, at the Winebrenner Church of God. The young newlyweds lived with his parents on the farm and Tom accepted his second Army enlistment serving at Fort Bliss, Texas.

After his honorable discharge, Carol’s father, Earl Kephart, built their home on the family farm just in time for the arrival of their first child, Carrie, followed later by daughter, Julie.

He gave of his time and talent on many community boards and had been a Corwin Township Trustee for over 50 years. He served on the Ida County Board of Supervisors for eight years. Tom logged thousands of miles over 20 years as a part-time Transportation Associate for GOMACO.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carol; two daughters, Carrie and Julie and Les Todd; grandchildren, Allison and Peter Ramsing, Matt and Heaven Todd; and two great-grandchildren, Quinn and Glory.