Obituaries

LeRoy, “Lee”, W. Odegaard passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday August 19, 2023. Lee was born in Fesseden, North Dakota to Roy and Florence Odegaard on February 21, 1935. Raised on a farm, he was the oldest of 4 children. From a young age he worked to help his family and save money to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He met the love of his life, Janice “Jan” during an audition for the renowned Concordia Choir. Jan fell for the tall handsome young man bedecked in white corduroy pants as she watched him discover his name as a Bass and hers as an Alto. Their first date was on a choir tour in Denver, 1953. Lee had a powerful expressive voice. He was frequently asked to sing at churches and events, frequently with Jan and at times with his entire family.

Lee graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Animal Husbandry. He loved Chemistry, Genetics and Mathematics throughout his life. While raising their family of 4 children in North Dakota, he farmed large ponderosa farms with over 1,000 cattle, later served as a County Extension Agent and managed alfalfa dehydrating plants. He relocated to Ohio with National Milling, significantly expanding the market by producing alfalfa products with higher protein yields. He became internationally regarded with his visionary ability. He thoroughly enjoyed economics, international trade, making markets, and managed profit sharing plans for his firm.
This passion led to his second career as an Investment Representative with Edward Jones. His wife Janice introduced him to the firm as she worked in the Edward Jones office in Port Clinton. After stopping in for breakfast at the former iconic Brosky’s, they were sold on relocating to Perrysburg to open the first Edward Jones office.

Lee alongside of his wife Janice poured 34 years into building his business, helping clients, his community and Zoar Lutheran Church. Working 6 days a week felt comfortable to him. Less than that was considered “sluffing off”. He started each day in his office in prayer for his family, friends, clients and community. He enjoyed networking with people in the community to uncover needs and develop programs and solutions.

Lee was an avid goal setter, encouraging those he mentored to write down their goals and read them daily. In the late 90’s he was the #1 Advisor for Edward Jones and traveled extensively internationally. He had a goal of visiting 100 countries and accomplished traveling to 98 along with each of the 50 states. An avid reader he loved history. Before visiting a country he would study extensively about it prior to arrival. Advised to steer away from sensitive subjects such as politics, religion and personal lives, he fearlessly conversed with local guides about their families, beliefs and politics, resulting in incredible conversations and relationships. His curiosity, respect, and desire to learn about their culture drove his passion for travel and sharing what he learned.

Stewardship and serving others was his passion. One of his motto’s is “I will never ask someone to do something I am not willing to do myself”. He had no hesitation in taking on dirty tasks as well as challenging issues. It was not unusual for him to have a long day in board rooms, client meetings and community events followed by a walk with his pockets stuffed with bags he filled with trash he found along the way. He supported many charities and foundations. He loved to learn about people and find needs he could fill. It was not unusual to find Jan and Lee taking elderly seniors who were alone to the opera, art gallery, dinner or lectures. His stewardship came with out complaint and he enjoyed seeing progress with his efforts.

He served on several boards including boards of banks, insurance companies, Lutheran social services and Genecross. Lee was instrumental in setting up the Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation trust funds. He helped manage those funds to help grow the impact of Perrysburg Rotary as one of the most impactful charities in Perrysburg. He was also passionate about the Way Public Library, and BGSU Art Endowment programs.

He frequently said in awe, “I have a very blessed life. We have our health, love, a family that wants to be together, amazing experiences, and our faith.” We are so very blessed. His greatest joy on earth was his family. For those of you that were in his office, you will remember the many family photos on the walls, evidence of annual family trips that no one missed. His family was blessed by his commitment to them and the encouragement and support for his grandchildren. No matter if they lived in Ohio, Colorado or Florida, Lee and Jan took great joy in their concerts, recitals, sport events, graduations and having shoulder-to shoulder time.
Lee is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Janice (Simmons) and children Leanne (Jim) Sztuk West Palm Beach, FL, Lynne (Phil) Pickett, Centennial, CO Loren Odegaard Perrysburg, OH, Lea (Matt) Skotynsky, Perrysburg, OH, daughter-in-law Gloria Odegaard Perrysburg, OH, 10 grandchildren Lauren (Dan), Katie, Madeline, Alison, Kari, Lee, Sydney, Rylee, Mitchel (Allex) and Michael and 1 great granddaughter, Hadley, and his sisters Florine Winter, Kay (Don) Madsen and Brother Larry (Linda) Odegaard.

He is preceded in death by their infant son Lee, parents Roy & Florence, and brother-in-law Ortho Winter.

Friends and family will be received Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133). Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551. Burial will follow in Fort Meigs Union Cemetery.

As a man of faith, Lee embraced the promise of Christ of everlasting life. As his family, we will miss him tremendously and celebrate his passing with thanksgiving and assurance we will be with him again. The family would like to thank Lee’s private caregivers Nancy, Meredith, Danielle, and Karin, the incredible staff of StoryPoint and Hospice of NW Ohio for their loving care. For those who would like to make a donation in his honor, please consider Zoar Lutheran Church or Perrysburg Rotary Foundation, and carry on the tradition as you place a bag in your pocket for your walk in our beautiful community. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.