Anna "Oline" Odden, 95, Twin Valley, MN died November 22, 2012 in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN.
Oline Odden was born March 6, 1917 on the family farm at New Effington, South Dakota, the youngest of 10 children born to Henry and Vill (Lesterberg) Thompson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Nidaros Lutheran Church, Hammar, S.D. As a girl she attended school in Sisseton, S. D.
Oline was united in marriage to Christ Odden on May 31, 1947 in St. Hillare, MN. They made their home on a farm east of Twin Valley where she worked hard alongside her husband. She was an excellent cook and baker. Visitors were always treated to a cup of coffee and numerous goodies. After her husband retired, Oline began working for the Lutheran Memorial Home, now known as the Twin Valley Living Center. In 1971 they moved into Twin Valley. In 1973 her husband died. She continued working for LMH, a job she held for 31 years. She retired in 1998 at the age of 80. Oline loved her work and the people she worked with. Throughout her life she was involved in the Church. In the early years she was active in the Ladies Aid and was a Sunday school teacher. In the latter years she was active in the Sunshine Committee Ministry. In 2008 she moved from her home to the Valley Pines and in March of 2012 she moved to the Twin Valley Living Center where she was under their compassionate care until she died. She was also under the loving care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Family was very important to Oline. Her Grandchildren were a special joy to her. She loved spending time with them and baking treats for them. Oline always looked forward to her Wednesday evening phone call to her Granddaughter. She was especially proud to be a Great Grandmother of six. The family always looked forward to her lefse during the holidays.

Oline is survived by a son, Chris (Karen) Odden of Ada, MN, and two step-daughters, Lila Raacke, and Clarice Kuck, both of San Diego, CA. ; two grandchildren, Chad (Heather) Odden of Ada, Kristin (Luke) Swenson of West Fargo, ND,; three step-grandchildren, Crystal (Ron) Baker of Ventura, CA., Debbie (Manuel) Lacarra of San Diego, CA, and Phil Raacke of San Gabriel, CA; Six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and all of her siblings.

The family appreciates the love and care shown to Oline by the staff at the Twin Valley Living Center and by Hospice.


Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, November 28th at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation was Tuesday, November 27th from 5-7 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Officiating was Pastor Anne Pairan with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Mark Habedank and Karen Bergstrom serving as vocalists. Pallbearers were Jerry Knudsen, Rod Syverson, Keith Olson, Harold Allrich, Steve Olson, Dick Arnston, and Dave Okeson. Honorary pallbearers were Grace Haaland, Jean Allrich and Olga Stundahl in addition to the past and present staff at the Twin Valley Living Center. Interment was at the Twin Valley City cemetery.