Richard Odeen

RICHARD JON ODEEN

Richard Jon Odeen, age 48, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016.

He was born on January 8, 1968, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was adopted into the loving family of Leonard and Marlene (Hampl) Odeen.  He attended Mankato State University in Mankato, MN, and it was there that he met his future wife, Joelle Baltrusaitis.  Richard and Joelle were united in marriage on May 22, 1993, at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato.  They moved to Winona, and Richard completed his degree in Computer Science at Winona State University.

Richard was previously employed with FedEx Ground, and was presently a manager at the Winona Hardees.  He was a member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona where he served on the church council as the Secretary of the congregation, and was active in the media ministry and the videotaping of weekly worship services.

He will be remembered for his love of computers and his ability to work with and solve anything technical.  Richard enjoyed gaming and role-playing, and he was active with the Role Play Special Interest Group at Winona State, and was on the voting board of Con of the North.  He also participated in karate, earning his brown belt, and he looked forward to checking out all of the cars at the Lakeview Drive-In cruise nights.

Richard had a great love for his family and friends, and everyone who knew him will miss his quiet and compassionate nature.  He gave great support and love to Joelle throughout their marriage.

Richard is lovingly survived by his wife, Joelle; mother, Marlene Odeen; sister: Gail (Bob Daas) Odeen; nephew and Godson, Benjamin Daas; biological mother, Coleen Savage, with her children and their families; mother-in-law: Doris Baltrusaitis; brother-in-law, Jerry (Connie) Baltrusaitis; sister-in-law: Jill Bunting, and her children Luke and Levi; as well as other relatives and friends including his cousins, Chris (Colleen) Hampl, Eric (Beth) Hampl, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard; father-in-law, George Baltrusaitis; uncles and aunts, Ed and Margaret Hampl, and Harry Swan; and his beloved dogs, Donovan and Riley.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home.  The Reverend Karl Gurgel of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church will officiate.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Saturday, July 9, 2016, from 11 AM until the time of the service.

A luncheon and reception will be held at 11:30 AM on Sunday, July 10, 2016, in the fellowship hall at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 766 West Wabasha Street, Winona.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to the TV and Radio Ministry of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Richard’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.