Arvin Jon Odegaard, 75, of Fairport, NY passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2022 after a brief illness.
Arvin was born December 7, 1946 in Bagley, MN to parents Verner and Rose Odegaard. He grew up in the small town of Gonvick, MN where he excelled in numerous sports during high school. He left Gonvick for Michigan to attend General Motors Institute, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and then began working at General Motors-Chevrolet in Livonia, MI. While living in MI he met his future wife, My, on a blind date. In 1970 he was transferred to Rochester Products in Rochester, NY. In 1971 he and My were married in Redford, MI and shortly after they moved to Fairport, NY. In 1973 he and his brother Dennis started their own business, Swift Machines, Inc. in Penfield, NY, where they did prototype machining until he retired in 2003.
Arvin enjoyed reading, puzzles, playing cards, golfing, tinkering, and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed spending time with family and playing games with his grandsons. He was loved very much and will be terribly missed.
Arvin is survived by his wife of 51 years, Helen “My” (Street) Odegaard, daughters Carrie (Peter) Tamm of Newton, MA and Kristen (Patrick) Rommel of Palmyra, NY, grandsons Jonas, Kyle and Zachary, sisters Joann Birkeland of Gonvick, MN and Debbie (David) Heitke of Paynesville, MN and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Verner and Rose (Johnson) Odegaard, brother Dennis Odegaard, and brother-in-law Ordean Birkeland.
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to The American Cancer Society or Samhold Lutheran Church, 259 North Ave., Gonvick, MN 56644.
Comments
4 responses to “Odegaard, Arvin J.”
The DeSmith family was Blessed to have a neighbor like Arv. Quick with a smile, and always up for a visit, or to lend a hand. My, Carrie and Kristy (and Families), we are deeply sorry for your loss. Arv was an good man who will be deeply missed. May many precious memories be a comfort to you all in the days ahead, and may Arv’s memory be a Blessing. Our love, Deb & Jeff, Ryan and Connor
Mrs.O, Carrie,Kristy and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I only have fond memories of Mr.O. Always quick with a joke, enjoying his crime shows, and loving on his family and cats. He will be missed; I count myself lucky to have known him. Our deepest sympathies are with you all during this difficult time. Love, Michelle, Eric, Colin, Liam and Kaitlyn. Stay strong and remember you wouldn’t be who you are if it wasn’t for him. He was a blessing.
My & family,
We were saddened by your loss and hope your fond memories of Arv will help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Dear My…………What sad news to learn of Arvin’s death. Losing one of the GMI “gang” is difficult. Coincidentally
Tom and I had just been talking about GMI days and all the fun, in addition to some education, the guys had
together. We are all at a sad time of life when losing friends is happening. The memories of being together
over 50 years ago still linger though.
Joe Baumgarten and I are evolving into caregivers. Pat (Joe’s wife) has dementia and Tom
is struggling with medical and memory issues. Duane and Sue have blessedly remained very healthy.
Your heartbreak must be immense for you and your family. Please know we have you all
in our prayers. Fondly and with deep sympathy, Linda & Tom Dennig