Richard L. Odgaard

The Odgaard family lived on a farm near Humboldt, Iowa where Richard grew up learning to drive a tractor and his dad’s pickup at an early age. He belonged to 4-H for a few years. At one time he had a heifer named Jingles that became so tame and gentle, Richard would sit on her back and ride her around the farm. He was also in Boy Scouts and loved hiking the Indian Trail in Humboldt.

Richard attended Humboldt schools until 7th grade. In 1958, his family moved to Ankeny, Iowa. He graduated from Ankeny High School in 1964 and enrolled at Iowa State University with plans to become a meteorologist. Plans changed, as they always do, and he applied to the School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed his studies in record time and in May 1970, he graduated, beginning his career as a veterinarian.

Richard and fellow classmate, Keith Leonard, established the Atlantic Animal Health Clinic in Atlantic, Iowa. They operated this for several years. Once, Richard was treating a little piglet in the clinic. That piglet would follow him all over the office, even accompanying him on pheasant hunting trips. After some time, the farmer who owned it ended up giving him to Richard. He just loved telling that story.

After Richard left the veterinary medicine practice, he continued his career in the swine nutrition sector of the business. His expertise was known world-wide. He made many international trips to assist with the issues involved in saving the lives of thousands of pigs in many hog facilities. Everyone knew Doc Odgaard.

In June 1968, Richard married Karen Marvin in Ankeny, Iowa. To this union, three children were born, Rebecca, Jennifer, and Christopher.

In June 1993, Richard married Betty Goertz and they eventually made their home in Ankeny, Iowa.

Richard’s outgoing personality and his hearty laugh could fill a room. His faith in the Lord was unwavering. He loved Iowa State football, homemade ice cream, county fairs, and listening to Betty play his favorite church hymns on the piano. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his light. He never gave up an opportunity to share these blessings. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and was a loyal spectator at their sporting events, dance recitals, vocal concerts, and kitchen table art projects.

Richard always told Betty they were the light of each other’s lives and forever soulmates. They loved to travel together near and far. He often joked saying that he was “just her driver”.

Richard is survived by his wife Betty, his stepmother Verdel Odgaard Linden, his children, Rebecca (Scott) McDonald, Jennifer (Eric) Connor, Christopher (Emily) Odgaard, stepchildren, Jamie (Laura) Hawkins, Adam Hawkins, Christie (Jason) Moore, Shelly (Chris) Harden, and Steve (Sue) Andersen. He adored his grandchildren and loved telling stories about them – Alexandrea (Josh) Russell, Harley Rozeboom, Jessica Tometich, Mackenzie Connor, Jagger Odgaard, Beckam Odgaard, Everly Odgaard, Lio Hawkins, Brandon Moore, Easton Moore, Ashley Harms, and great-grandchild Maggie Saunders.

He is survived by his sisters, Diana (Joe) Skaff, Beverly (Dan) Jury, Gayla (Gary) Junkman, Debbie Odgaard, Sharon (Ron) Jones, Sue Frazier, Shirley (Earl) MacLeod, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronald Odgaard.