Dale Odegaard (85) passed away March 19, 2025 at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, MN. He had several health issues over the last two years with a final diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Dale was born October 16, 1939 at the family farm home of Irvin and Hilda Odegaard in rural Kenyon, MN. He was baptized at Gol Lutheran Church in Kenyon, MN and confirmed at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN.
June 12, 1965 Dale married Ann Louise Ring at Wanamingo Lutheran Church in Wanamingo, MN. They enjoyed 58 years as a team.
Dale went to elementary school in the St. Paul, MN public school system, attended junior high school in Denver, CO, and graduated from West Concord, MN high school in the class of 1958. From there he went to the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a double major in European history and American literature in 1961. He obtained his master’s degree from Winona State University in English education in 1968, and obtained an additional education certification from Mankato State University.
Dale taught English and/or History for over 30 years in Minneapolis, Caledonia, and Austin, MN public schools and drivers education through the Austin public schools for 20+ years. Dale was also an adjunct staff at Hamline University and Winona State University teaching a master’s program in education for eight years.
In 1995 he retired from the Austin public school system. In 1965 Dale & Ann moved to Austin Minnesota, where they lived for almost 60 years. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin was their church family and Dale was an active member in many facets of church life, particularly music. Dale was involved in many community organizations, including Northwestern Singers, multiple community choirs and the Mower County Horticulture Society. He worked with Ann in AAUW branch activities and was an election judge. He was on the boards of the Mower County DFL, Austin Meals on Wheels and the Friends of the Library, where he chaired library book sales. Dale & Ann were AARP lobbyists for over 20 years advocating for reducing prescription drug costs and organizing statewide activities. Dale was also active in the following education groups: REAM, SEREAM, NEA, MEA, and Austin Area Retired Educators.
Dale had numerous passions in life, including family, friends, neighbors, and live theater from Minneapolis to NYC and beyond. There was no theater too small or too large. Travel was an interest Dale shared with Ann over the years. They accomplished goals of visiting all 50 states, and all the presidential libraries then went on to see the world. Of the many travel destinations, some special places were China, Jordan, Egypt, eastern and western Europe, Caribbean islands, Chile, and Argentina.
Dale is survived by his son Davin (Jill) Odegaard and his daughter Darica (Jeff) Nelson. He is also survived by sister-in-law Vernice (Bernie) Bishop, brother-in-law Merlin (Janet) Ring, and many nieces and nephews.
Dale was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ann, in 2023; his parents Irvin and Hilda Odegaard; his sister Ione Odegaard Hudalla; and brother Darrel Odegaard. In accordance with Dale’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. There will be a private family interment at Grandview Cemetery in Austin, MN.
