Delores was born on May 4, 1928 in Odessa, MN to parents John and Olga (Zemple) Roeder. She grew up in Ortonville and attended country school through the eighth grade. On July 31, 1944 Delores was united in marriage to Alfred Odden, to this union twelve children were born. Delores and Alfred raised their children on the family farm near Clinton. She was the consummate farmer?s wife, helping with the farm and raising her children. Alfred and Delores celebrated fifty-three years together before his passing in 1997.
Delores was a wonderful cook, her caramel rolls, milk gravy and potato salad were often special treats for her children. She was a very loving and gentle mother to her children. She taught them to be very generous to others with their time, even if it meant sometimes sacrificing some for yourself. Delores dearly loved her grandchildren, she loved nothing more than to talk to them and offer heartfelt wisdom and straight to the point advice. Over the years, Delores had several jobs that she worked at, but what she will always be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Delores was an avid Twins fans. She loved watching the Twins for years, and never shied away from expressing her opinion about how a particular player is doing whether good or bad. Her other favorite pastime was playing cards and bingo. She was very proud to be the Ladies Circle President of York Manor.
Delores passed away Thursday, July 20, 2006 at the St. Francis Home in Breckenridge, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; parents, John and Olga (Zemple) Roeder; one brother, Vernon; son, Charles; daughter, Jeanette; grandson, Joshua; and granddaughter, Melody.
Delores is survived by her children; Gerald Odden, Rosalitha (Karl) Dougherty, Richard Odden, Alfred Odden, Jean (Charles) Demerow, Linda Lorentz, Joseph (Naomi) Odden, DeLois (Floyd) Irwin, Mary (Clark) Berning, and Ervin (Barb) Odden, twenty-eight grandchildren; Jerry Jr., Shaun, Bernadette, Allan, Debbie, Julie, Cheryl, Jim, Amanda, David, David, Jess, Christopher, Crystal, Cytina, Becky, Valerie, Rick, Carrie, Justin, Cody, Chelsi, Dan, Curtis, Kristi, Melissa, Mandy, and Andrea. She is also survived by thirty-five great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four brothers, Ray, Eddie (Laura Mae), Johnny (Lynn), Alfred (Donna Mae); three sisters, Marcia (Roger) Zick, Lucille (Clifford) Thompson, and LaVerne Plantz, sister-in-law Ruth Roeder; two aunts, Velinda Zemple and Jean Heneberg; special friend Harold; school friends Lorraine and Marry Ann; as well as many more nieces, nephews, and extended family.