Gary P Odenbrett

On August 4, 1946 Robert and Lucille Odenbrett welcomed their 5th child.  Gary joined siblings Lucille, Anne, John and Shirley, though family stories tell of their hoping the car parked in front of their Worthington MN home was theirs, not that of the doctor that delivered Gary.  The family moved to Inglewood CA in 1953.  The Odenbrett Brothers Band was established and Gary contributed with his somewhat limited but enthusiastic trumpet playing skills.

Gary and I met at a polka dance in 1961 and on June 19, 1965 had our first date.  Not to waste time, we married on February 19, 1966.  Gary’s draft notice came and his next 2 years included our move to Germany and the birth of Jeff, our first son. Sons Randy and Scott joined the family in 1970 and 1976. Our return to California brought moves to West Covina, Pomona and in 1978 to Anderson CA where Randy and Scott were raised.     Jeff became our angel in 1971.  Gary continued his lifelong occupation as a welder.  He provided for our family with his welding skills, but also provided friends and family with their want of trailers, hitches, metal repairs, all transformed in the comfort of our garage.    Gary’s love of boating and off-road riding continued through most of his adult life.  There was always a variety of off road or water vessels available that brought family time and lots of memories to him. 

2001 found us packing up and moving to Vacaville CA to be closer to Scott and to Randy, Tammie and our first grandchild Emily.  2004 found us relocating to Boise ID along with Randy, Tammie and their family.  Several trips were made each year to the northern California area to spend time with Scott, Desiree and their family. 

Retirement was welcomed in 2009.  This allowed more visits with Scott’s family and time to travel.  After Pat’s retirement in 2012, travel was expanded and a few years ago, winters in warm weather were made a part of the calendar.  Unfortunately this year, that warm winter he was eagerly looking forward to, did not come to fruition.   Gary’s COPD was more than could be controlled and he passed on November 8, 2019 surrounded by family.  He was family through and through.   Gary loved being around our grandchildren and we were guaranteed his smiles when he set eyes on our grandchildren.  He loved, admired and respected our sons and their wives.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and our son Jeff.  He is survived by our sons Randy and Scott, daughters-in-law Tammie and Desiree; and 5 grandchildren, Emily, Robby, Hailey, Kai and Isla.  At his request, he was cremated and a celebration of his life will be held in the spring along the Colorado River near Bullhead AZ.  Our 53 years of marriage was indeed an adventurous ride and we always knew he loved us to the end.  We will miss Gary endlessly!