Linda Lee Odland

Linda Lee Odland, daughter of Mildred L. and Edward M. (Sonny) Kostboth, was born on January 22, 1939, on the original Kostboth homestead near Canistota, South Dakota. She was born in the same bedroom as her father before her, and his father before him. Her family lived with her grandparents working the family farm until they moved to their own farm close by several years later. Linda attended a country one room schoolhouse through middle school. As an only child, Linda found farm life isolating. She greatly enjoyed high school in town, where she was a cheerleader. She had fond memories of driving to neighboring towns on the weekends, where there was live music, dancing or basketball games.

Linda attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she majored in education. It was there that she met Lynn Odland, of Claremont, South Dakota, and the two got married. They transferred to the University of South Dakota where they graduated and their daughter Amy was born. Linda and Lynn moved to Denver, CO, where Lynn took his first job in accounting and Linda took a job teaching elementary school. The couple then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota area, which became home for many years. By then, Linda was a full-time homemaker, and gave birth to Carrie, and then two years later, Paul. Linda and Lynn raised their family in Edina, MN. Linda’s parents were frequent visitors, and the family made regular visits to Sonny and Millie’s farm, where the family enjoyed Millie’s homemade cinnamon rolls, evening card games, and riding the tractor with Sonny. Linda enjoyed her women’s bridge group, neighbors, church activities, family trips, attending school functions, Viking/Twins sporting events and welcoming her kids’ various friends to the house. As her kids became more active in tennis, she became an active tennis mom chauffeur.

Linda thoroughly enjoyed her later years with her partner Don Czech, her dear friends, and spending time with her grandkids. She eventually moved to Scottsdale, AZ, and then Denver, CO to live closer to family. She continued to spend time in Minnesota each summer with Don and keeping in touch with her Minnesota connections. She loved boating, travel, and attending her grandchildren’s activities and performances. Her love of sports was evident. She loved attending Notre Dame Football games, Phoenix Suns games, attending kids and grandkids’ sporting events, and watching Wimbledon on TV. Linda always adapted well to her new homes and found community. She never seemed to grow old, and related to people of all ages especially her grandchildren through her social media skills. Linda enjoyed her bridge group, bible study at Bethany Lutheran, and her adult education classes. She enjoyed attending church and sitting in the front row. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she loved to be home and attend Christmas Eve service with her family before heading back to have the family’s traditional oyster stew and clam chowder. Linda passed away on June 11, 2023, after a spirited and brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Linda’s presence at those holidays will be greatly missed, as she always brought a special, cheerful love to the table.

Linda is survived by her children Amy Johnson, Carrie (Matt) Revers, and Paul (Michelle) Odland, her six grandchildren (Lindsay Cole, Natalie Harrison, Parker Revers, Laurel Revers, Alex Odland and JP Odland), and two great grandchildren (Jahleel Johnson Cole, and Lennox Harrison).

A celebration of life for Linda was held Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 4:00 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4800 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Odland family.