Allan Odegard, 88, Granville, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

Allan Curtis Odegard was born Jan. 6, 1921, a son of Elvin and Sena (Skildum) Odegard, in Mondovi, Wis. He was raised and educated in Mondovi. As a young adult, he worked as a farm laborer in the area for a few years.

Allan then enlisted in the Army on Oct. 21, 1942. He proudly served his country during World War II and was honorably discharged Jan. 12, 1946.

Allan married Palma Miland on April 17, 1948, in Menomonie, Wis. They made their home there for a few years before renting a farm near Mondovi. He had also worked for a local creamery as a butter maker in Mondovi for a time before being transferred to Farmers Union Creamery in Minot in 1960. He and his family made their home in Granville. Allan then took some correspondence classes to attain his diesel mechanic certificate. He then began his career as a diesel mechanic at Butler Machinery and continued to work there until 1983, when he retired.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Granville, and the Granville American Legion Post No. 155 from which he recently received his 50-year membership pin.

He enjoyed reading, fishing, gardening, playing Dominos and building birdhouses and wind planes.

Allan was a simple man. He lived through hard times of walking long distance to school, outhouses, hand milking, horse and buggy days, the Depression and war. He had a hard nature and made you tow the line. Foul language was not tolerated by him or his children. Respect for God and appreciation were highly honored. He had a strong laugh. He loved to tell stories of friends, Army comrades and how things used to be. He was proud to be Norwegian. He was definitely one of a kind and will be missed by all.

Surviving family includes: wife of 61 years, Palma, Granville; children, Douglas (Barb) Odegard, Velva, Linda (Melvin) Venstad, Velva, Sherri Odegard, Velva, Ruby (Dwane) Van Winkle, Burlington, Pam (Donavon) Wagner, Bismarck, Matthew (Cori) Odegard, Wilton, Emily (Greg) Holm, of Crystal, and Melissa (Neil) Klein, Norwich; 29 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Clarence Odegard, Mondovi; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Judy Warmsbecker; son, Michael Odegard; grandson, Rocky Wagner; sisters, Selena Olson, Evelyn Anderson and Carol Toebe; and brothers, Elwood Odegard, Sanford Odegard, Morris Odegard and Einar Odegard.

Funeral: Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at 1 p.m. in First Lutheran Church, Granville.

Interment: Granville Community Cemetery, Granville.

Visitation: Today, Oct. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).