Loretta P. (Wykoff) Oddo

Loretta was born on May 3, 1943, in Bazine, Kansas to Ellis Cleo Wykoff and Edith Pearl (Wierman) Wykoff. At the age of six, Loretta and her family moved to Berthoud, Colorado, where she was raised and attended school, forming lifelong memories and friendships. In 1960, Loretta married her first husband, and together they welcomed their five beautiful children. Her greatest joy in life was her family.

Loretta, whom many knew as Hanny, devotedly raised her children with love and pride, but she didn't stop there. Her dedication strived so far as to raise multiple generations of our loving family. From grandchildren to even some of her great-grandchildren. Loretta's commitment to loving, nurturing and unwavering support was the glue to this family.

Colorado brought many things including where she met the Love of her Life, Phil Oddo, they later married in the early 1980's and joined his family in Illinois, where they eventually built the house of their dreams together in Davis, IL giving her just the right amount of space to do things she loved.

Loretta built a remarkable career as the first certified female MIG and TIG welder in Rockford, IL at Bergstrom, she worked there for over 25 years before retiring.

Her love extended far beyond her family. Loretta had a special place in her heart for animals, often caring for several pets at a time, including dogs, cats, birds, and even her beloved potbelly pig, Abigail. She was also a certified wildlife rehabilitator, dedicating her time to rescuing injured animals mainly raccoons and releasing them back onto her land once they were healed.

Loretta's creativity showed through her love of crafts and craft shows. She found joy in making handmade gifts for her loved ones. She also enjoyed garage sales and her frequent trips to "Wally World" searching every aisle for hidden treasures.

Her favorite holiday was Easter. She cherished the arrival of spring, flowers blooming, the bright colors, and most of all, having her family together. Whether it was counting back eggs to get nickels or watching the kids swing at the piñata. Loretta could often be seen in many pictures smiling in the background.

She found beauty in all things including her stunning glass collection that could be seen displayed in her home.

Loretta will be remembered for her strength, her creativity, her compassion for people and animals alike, and above all, her undying love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her five children Shannon Buchert, Carolyn (Donald) Erickson, Roxanne Loomis, Cindy Porter, and Fred (Trudy) Clark.

Her twelve grandchildren, Joe, Tommy, Erica, Dustin, Tasha, Amber (Zach), Branden, Tabitha, Kyle, Joe, Issa, Gregory, 29 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Also including one sister Patricia Strozzi of Loveland, CO.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ellis and Edith, her siblings Annette, Rex, Bobbi, Joel, and Kevin. Her loving husband Phil. Lastly. her best friend Nikki Gibson.

A memorial visitation for Loretta will take place Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM until the time of her service at 3:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115. Cremation rites accorded.

The family requests that you wear bright colors as she loved them.

The family would also like to give a special thanks to the SSM Health Hospice Team of Monroe, WI and the staff of Pleasant View Nursing home for their love, compassion and care.