Rita Louise Odland

Rita Louise Odland, age 77, long-time Menahga, MN resident, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 surrounded by her loving daughters. Rita was born January 8, 1933 to John and Mary (Courchane) Sangrey in Havre, Montana, the 4th born of 6 children. Rita grew up and attended school in White Sulfur Springs, MT graduating with the class of 1952. Rita was united in marriage to Donald Odland on May 15th in 1953. This union was blessed with 4 daughters: Laurie, Lonnie, and Lita and Lecil. When her children reached school age, Rita gained employment at the Montana State University as a cook. In 1972, the young family moved to Menahga, MN. Rita then gained employment at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids where she worked for a few years before attending Detroit Lakes Technical College where she received her License Practical Nursing Degree. She then began her career at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga where she worked for 30 years before retiring. When Rita was not busy with her family and work, she enjoyed many hobbies. She was an avid reader, enjoyed a good game of cards, going to the casino, playing bingo and also enjoyed crafts such as sewing, crocheting, knitting and painting ceramics. During later years, Rita stayed busy with a Karaoke business that she operated with her sister-in-law, Lila Odland Savonto. She was a long-time member of First English Lutheran Church in Menahga and was a member of the Menahga VFW Post #6206 Auxiliary. Rita will be dearly missed by her 4 daughters: Laurie (Steve) Skaro of Sebeka, Lonnie Odland of Park Rapids, Lita (Sheldon) Sagedahl of Menahga and Lecil (Matt) Miller of Menahga; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 3 sisters: Bernice Tony of Townsend, MT; Claira Boster of Townsend, MT, and Key (David) Kari of Lima, MT; many cousins, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary. Don Odland, 3 grandsons: Donnie Skaro, and Caden and Aiden Werlinger; sisters, Delephine and Jacqueline; and her brother, Elmer. Funeral services will be held 1 PM, Monday, August 30, 2010 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with Reverend Steven A. Bruer officiating. Casketbearers will be: Son-in-laws Steve Skaro, Sheldon Sagedahl, Mathew Miller, and Grand Children: Ryan Burkman, Chelsey Miller, Stephanie Vandermay, and Jennifer Sagedahl. Honorary casket bearers will be: all of her Grand Children and Great Grand Children. Interment will be made in Shell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 6 PM to 9 PM at First English Lutheran Church.