Obituaries

Deacon Steve Odegard, 70 

Deacon Steven Wade Odegard (Odie), passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2023, at Regions Hospital. He was only 70 years old. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. Steve was born on October 14, 1952.

Deacon Odegard is survived by his wife Mary Odegard; his children Melissa Odegard; Jessica Miller, spouse Nick; Joel Odegard, spouse Nina; Kim Stumne, spouse Andrew; and Sarah Root, spouse Randy (Bud); and 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Larry Odegard, Jay Odegard, and Doug Odegard. 

Deacon Odegard was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Naomi Odegard, as well as brothers Norman Odegard and Curt Odegard and his aunt Verna Nelson. 

Deacon Odegard was born above the Mason’s Variety Store (aka Pizza Pub) in Pine City. He grew up in Pine City and attended Pine City High School. He met the love of his life while stationed in Athens, Georgia, 49 years ago (through her brother Chuck) and were happily married for 47 years. Shortly after they married, they started a family and six years later had five beautiful children. He later attended Century College for HVAC and worked for People’s Natural Gas (now Minnesota Energy Resources), then prior to retirement, he was the State Safety Manager for Minnesota and helped us all become more safe. Who could forget his safety cones that he pulled out anytime he parked anywhere? 

Deacon Steve served his country for 24 years, completed five years of active duty and 19 years as a reservist for the United States Air Force. He retired in 1995 as Master Sergeant of the Communication Squadron. During his time in service, he was recognized for his selection to represent the 934 Communication Squadron as one of the 12 outstanding airmen of the year for 1989, Senior Noncommissioned Officer category. 

Deacon Steve was a fun spirited soul who took on many passions. These include cycling (a hair away from making the Olympic team and cycling from Macon, Georgia, to Alaska), working on cars, picking dandelions, making wine, serving on the school board, teaching the youth at confirmation, and serving as a deacon from November 2017 until he retired in October 2022. He had an incredible talent to figure out how to make things work and explain it to others in a way that they could understand. He brought this to his children when working on cars or heating and air related projects. Then in retirement he brought this to his many customers at Boondoggle Winery. 

Deacon Steve was the first to crack a joke, the first to give you the shirt off his back, and always ready with a smile. He cared so deeply for the people around him and always had time for them. Every day was an adventure for him, he had a child-like curiosity and made everything fun. He never gave up in spite of the challenges and always persevered. Where most people buckle under pressure, he thrived by meeting every obstacle with heart and drive. He was a teacher and reminded all of us through his actions to “leave things better than you found it.” He made an impact on many lives and will be forever missed. Until we meet again. 

Bishop Daniel Felton celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Steve on Monday, May 22, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pine City. Visitation was held Sunday, May 21, at the Swanson Funeral Chapel and also one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial at Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls. Arrangements by Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel. Memorials in Deacon Steve’s memory may be directed to: St. Patrick’s Youth Program, P.O. Box 490, 203 Lawler Ave. S., Hinckley, MN 55037. 

Sister Martha Bechtold, OSB, 86 

Benedictine Sister Martha (Jeanette) Bechtold, age 86, died on May 1, 2023, at St. Scholastica Monastery in her 65th year of consecrated life. She was born February 26, 1937, to Lawrence and Hildegard (Feneis) Bechtold in Luxemburg, Minn., to a loving family of 12 children.

Sister Martha’s love of children and creative play suited her well for her first ministry as an elementary school teacher. She went on to serve as director of McCabe Renewal Center, director of oblates and associates, and director of monastery facilities, which she described as “caring for everything that is not eternal.” She made several trips to the monastery’s “twin” Benedictine community in Tanzania and enjoyed reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Lawrence (Karen) and Benedict (Joan) Bechtold, and brothers-in-law Fred Reker, Don Prom, and Ron Skudlarek. She is survived by her brothers Leonard (Marcia), Roger (Nell), George (Marshia), and Eugene (Kathy) Bechtold; sisters Rita Reker, Mary Prom, Hilde (Kerry) Manuel, Rose Skudlarek, and Millie (Leonard) Brunn; many nieces and nephews; and her Benedictine community. 

Wake/Morning Prayer and funeral Mass were held on Monday, May 8, in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at the monastery, with her nephews Fathers Mitchell Bechtold and Nathan Brunn presiding. Interment at Gethsemane Cemetery. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. Memorials preferred to St. Scholastica Monastery.