Deanna Lynn Odden, the daughter of Bernard and Maxine (Green) Odden, was born in Rugby, N.D., on Feb. 22, 1963. She died suddenly at the age of 49 years on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Deanna grew up on the family farm south of Berwick, N.D., and graduated in 1982 from Towner High School. She continued her education at the college in Bottineau for floral design and became very involved in music. While attending college, she enjoyed working at the International Peace Garden and the college.
On Aug. 4, 1987, Roberta Rose Odden was born. In 1989, Deanna and Roberta moved to Minot, where Deanna attended Minot State University. Following college, they moved to Towner and purchased a home there in 1993. She worked for Winger Cheese for several years and enjoyed continuing her musical hobby by singing for weddings and other various events.
Following the closing of Winger Cheese, Deanna shifted her career and began a new profession, working at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby. She started there in the Dietary Department and later found her true passion as an Activities Technician, where she provided hand-in-hand care for people.
Deanna's love of laughter and her quick wit enabled her to make many friends throughout her life. She loved parties that allowed her to "dress-up" as zany characters. She was known for her many hats, bandanas and vintage jewelry.
Deanna is survived by: her daughter, Roberta Odden, of Devils Lake; her partner and best friend of three years, Jonathan "Jono" Kaylor, of Bantry; sisters, Bernetta "Etta" Odden and Denice (Roger) Suchor, both of Towner; a brother, Byron Odden, of Mylo; a niece, Erica (Travis) Clemens, of Velva; a nephew, Tanner (Mandie) Suchor, of Rugby; children of the late Galen Elijah, Travis Elijah and Nikita Elijah; great-nieces, Rylie Suchor, Cienna and Tessa Clemens; great-nephew, Walker Suchor; other family and many many friends.
She was preceded in death by her fiance, Galan Elijah; an infant brother and sister; other relatives and her parents.
Funeral services: Will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Towner, with private burial and committal services. Pastor Linda Wimmer and Mr. Wally Fretland will officiate.
Visitation: Will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Towner. Visitation will continue Friday for one hour prior to the time of services at the church.
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Towner.