Obituary of Norman Campbell Odekirk

Norman “Dutch” Odekirk passed away into the loving arms of those that have gone on before him. His life was shared with a multitude of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that looked up to him and loved him with their whole existence. Norman was born on June 28th, 1926 in Roosevelt, Utah to humble parents Frank Odekirk and Wilma Toliver Odekirk. When he was 12 years old, he and their family moved to Ogden, Utah where they stayed until he was drafted in the Second World War. In 1944 Norman sailed across the Atlantic with the other young men that fought for our country and for the world. He fought in the infantry, beyond the front lines, and in the Battle of the Bulge. He received a Third Award Combat Infantry Badge, for fighting in three consecutive battles and served in Germany, Belgium, and France. When Norman returned home from the War in 1945 he met his Love, Gayle Pauline Gardner. From the moment that he saw her, he knew “she was my gal.” They were married in December 1948 and had four marvelous children together; Jerilyn Odekirk Ewing (Ogden, Utah), Norman Campbell Odekirk Jr.(King Salmon, Alaska), Frank Verl Odekirk (Formerly of Ogden, Utah) and Juli Odekirk (American Fork, Utah). In 1952 Dutch bought The Flying D Ranch outside St. Maries, Idaho where he lived for most of his life. He and Gayle separated for 31 years, but their love never diminished. They reunited in 2006 when Norman said to Gayle “We started this life together, we lost a son together, now we should finish together.” Norman was a man with strength of character and an enduring sense of honor. He lived his life humbly and taught others through his example of hard work and determination. He persevered through war, multiple types of cancer, and the struggle that age brings with it. He led our family as our patriarch and our friend. He taught us to fish, to water ski, to drive, and to take risks in this life worth taking. He showed us how to be fearless and calm. Norm was preceded in death by son Frank Verl Odekirk, his love Gayle Pauline Gardner Odekirk Erz, as well as all of his brothers and sisters, Tom, Verl and Bill Odekirk, Flora Stegan, Renee Dabling and Mary Jean Ebert. He left his legacy of love to a multitude of family including his three remaining children, 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. May he now be enveloped in the love of those that have gone before him; while his wisdom, strength and love lives in each of us today. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from 7:00 p.m to 8:00p.m. at Hodge Funeral Home and Funeral Services will be Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. Maries Ward with Bishop Tim Grubham conducting. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery with Military Rites by American Legion Post # 25 conducting. A gathering of family and friends will follow back at the Church.. Visit Norman’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com