Bruce Gerald Odden

Bruce Gerald Odden, age 94, of Northwood, Iowa, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Northwood Pines Assisted Living surrounded by his loving family. Bruce was born in Northwood, Iowa, on March 29, 1932, to Leif and Ida (Kuhlmann) Odden. He graduated from Northwood High School in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1951. Bruce served in the Korean war, was an instructor for aircraft mechanics stateside and was an assistant crew chief on F84 fighter aircraft in Korea and F86 fighter aircraft in Japan. On July 20, 1952, he married the love of his life, Marjorie Urbatch and together they raised a loving family with three children; Pamela, Vicki and Luane. After leaving the Air Force, Bruce purchased a farm in rural Northwood raising crops and cattle. Early in his farming career he tore down the old farm house and built a beautiful home for his family along with the help of his father, Leif Odden. He was also worked as a carpenter and built many beautiful wood projects for his family. Bruce was a 4-H leader for over 20 years, belonged to the Saddle Club, loved being outdoors hunting, riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle and camping in their motorhome.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Marjorie Odden; children, Pamela (Michael) Pleiss, Vicki Gerhardt and Luane Odden (Retha King); sister, Maxine Wignes; brothers and sisters-in-law Richard Urbatch, Sharon Dilling, Roger and Wendy Urbatch, Barb and Dennis Walser, 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren,10 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leif and Ida Odden; in-laws Eldred and Lucille Urbatch; son-in-law, Ron Gerhardt; great-granddaughter, Gracie Roe; brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley and Howard Ludens, Marilyn Cooper, Evelyn Urbatch, Leland Dilling, and Russell Wignes.

A funeral service for Bruce will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel in Northwood, Iowa, with visitation one hour prior. Interment with military honors will be at Stateline Cemetery, Northwood, Iowa. Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel of Northwood is assisting the family with services.