Donald Odegard

Donald Lee Odegard, 81, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2021, following a short illness. Visitation will be at noon on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 1844 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, followed by a brief service at 1:00 p.m. The family requests casual dress. Don was born February 9, 1940 in Oelwein to Oscar and Gertrude (Dale) Odegard, Sr. He graduated from Oelwein High School, never missing a day of school from kindergarten through graduation. Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force following graduation and traveled around the world, including stints in Germany, France, Greenland, and the North Pole. While stationed in Nashville, Tennessee, he met his future wife, Patty, on Halloween night while 'scooping the loop.' On July 24, 1964, he and Patty were married at Russell Street Church of Christ in Nashville. Don and Pat moved to Cedar Rapids in 1964, and lived there until the time of his death. Don worked at Rockwell Collins for 47 years before retiring in 2005. He loved restoring antiques cars, including his 1931 Ford Model A Coupe. He also collected and restored antique clocks. Don was an expert at anything mechanical. He loved animals of all kinds, and often rescued (and sometimes adopted) strays in the area. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Pat; daughter, Deb (Ron) Schmudlach of West Des Moines; son, Tim (Chelsea) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Adam, Amy sister, Dorothy (Hugh) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Orville, Oscar Jr., and Leonard. His honest and hard-working ways will be remembered by his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and will be sorely missed by many.