Eugene Richard Odette was born March 22, 1925, on the family farm in Greenvale Township, Dakota County, Minnesota, to Jerome and Alice (Hjesedahl) Odette. He was baptized and confirmed at Annunciation Catholic Church in Hazelwood and attended District #76 School and Northfield High School. At the age of 17, he joined the US Navy and served for 3 years - traveling the Pacific Ocean. Following his honorable discharge he worked as a roofer and sider. He married Mae Zibrowski on April 8, 1947, at the Catholic church rectory in Hokah, Minnesota. After marriage they lived in Northfield. In 1949, they moved to Fairmont and Gene began working as a blacksmith. In 1951, they returned to Northfield and in 1953, Gene established Odette Welding & Black Smithing which he owned and operated until he retired in 1995.

Gene was an active member of the Church of the Annunciation, member and past Commander of the Northfield VFW, and past VFW District Commander. He was also a member of the American Legion, the DAV, and a longtime leader for the Buzzin Cousin’s 4H Club. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren. He was strong, hardworking and a talented welder and skilled blacksmith. He was a loving, husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Survivors include 6 children and their spouses: Virginia and LeRoy Weaver of Faribault, Linda of LaCrosse, Kenneth of St. Peter, Jeanyne and Thomas Fitzgerald of Rosemount, Dean and Geralyn of Northfield, Julie of Northfield; 9 grandchildren: Allen, Scott, Nicole, Bridget (Chris) Molly (Michael), Erik, Quinn, Michelle (Cory), Rachel; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ardyth Kidd of Northfield; one brother and his wife, Jerry and Sue Odette of Northfield; his sister-in-law, Virginia Odette of Elko-New Market; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; a stillborn daughter, Ruth Ann; his parents; and his brother, Donald.

Gene passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday morning, July 7, 2010, at the Three Links Care Center, at the age of 85.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM Monday, July 12, 2010, at the Church of the Annunciation in Hazelwood with Fr. Thomas Rayar officiating. Music will be provided by....... Interment with Military Honors will be in the church cemetery. Casket bearers will be Quinn Fitzgerald, Erik Kolden, Tom Odette, Allen Weaver, Scott Weaver and Andy Zibrowski. Visitation will be 4-7PM Sunday, July 11, 2010, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield with a VFW District Commanders service at 6:30PM. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.