St. Olaf College | St. Olaf Alumni

*John Odden ’57

John Odden - 1957, Death*John Mark Odden, age 83, of Red Wing, Minn., died Jan. 1, 2015 at Loving Residence in Red Wing. He was born on Feb. 8, 1931 in Madison, Wis. to Arthur Odden ’21 and Agnes Klovstad Odden. He graduated from Twin Valley High School of Minnesota in 1949 and later from St. Olaf College in 1957. He also obtained his master’s and specialist degrees from Winona State University. John served as an officer in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a 2nd LT. He married Beverly Bryan on July 16, 1960. He taught art and was the Principal at the Correctional School for Boys in Red Wing for 37 years. He served on many committees in the area, including the Red Wing Art Association, Senior Center, United Way, Goodhue County Historical Board, and many committees at United Lutheran Church. He was a member of United Lutheran Church and Red Wing Noontime Kiwanis, where he served as President and Lt. Governor. He enjoyed camping, hiking, painting, boating, and downhill skiing.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; three sons, Mark and wife Lisa, David and wife Kim, and Stephen and wife Lisa; four grandchildren, Samuel, Kiara, Courtney, and Ryan; sister, Corinne Odden Fredrick ’49 and husband Bill; brother, Robert Odden ’55 and wife Frankie; and sister-in-law, Gloria. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arthur Odden ’50.

Memorials are preferred to the National Parkinson Foundation or United Lutheran Church.