Gail Lavonne Odegaard

Gail Lavonne Johring Odegaard, 77, of Loveland, CO went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 31, 2021 at University of Colorado Health Hospital in Fort Collins, CO. Gail was born in Atkinson, NE March 22, 1944 to Melvin and Doris (Wehrly) Johring. Her first years of school were at the district 80, Aggie Country School near her home ranch in Holt County. Gail helped her dad in the hayfield every summer as soon as she could drive and was the best worker he ever had, capable of doing all jobs well. That same work ethic applied to all areas of her life. She attended O’Neill Public High School, graduating in 1962. Her senior classmates chose her for their prom queen. She attended Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis where she made many lifelong friends as she did each place she lived. After completing floral design school in Denver she began work for the prestigious Bachman stores in Minneapolis. She blessed many people with her God given talents and hard work in the floral business. Gail married Danny Odegaard in 1978. They lived in the Bay Area and Washington DC/Alexandria, Virginia before Danny retired from the Navy and they settled in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1983. Gail’s interests included writing many cards and letters remembering, celebrating, and comforting the multitude of friends she made from coast to coast. She was an avid reader, gardener, generous neighbor, and cared for many elderly people. She was always involved in Church service and chose to be behind the scenes and not publicly acknowledged. Her mornings were spent in Bible study and prayer. Her life was shared with her family whenever a need arose, always making time for her parents and siblings. Gail’s life reflected the example Jesus Christ set in selfless, generous service to others. To God be the Glory! She is survived by her mother, Doris Johring; sister Rosemary (Andrew) Stoddard; brother Kent Johring; nieces and nephews, Melanie Stoddard, Amanda (Dan) Filler, Sarah (Ryan) Stewart, Abigail (Clint) Novak, Seth (Brooke) Forwood, Emily (Chris) Liepe and 20 great nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband Danny, infant brother Jerry, father Melvin Johring, and brother-in-law James Forwood.