Norman Odekirk

Norman Cambell Odekirk Sr. (Dutch)

June 28, 1926 ~ March 13, 2015

Norman “Dutch” Odekirk passed away into the loving arms of those that passed on before him.  His life was shared with a multitude of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that looked up to him and loved him with their whole existence.

Norman was born on June 28, 1926 in Roosevelt, Utah to humble parents Frank Odekirk and Wilma Toliver Odekirk. When he was 12 years old, he and their family moved to Ogden, Utah where they stayed until he was drafted in the Second World War.  In 1944 Norman sailed across the Atlantic with the other young men that fought for our country and for the world.  He fought in the infantry, beyond the front lines, and in the Battle of the Bulge.  He received a Third Award Combat Infantry Badge for fighting in three consecutive battles and served in Germany, Belgium, and France.

When Norman returned home from the War in 1945 he met his Love, Gayle Pauline Gardner.  From the moment he saw her, he knew, that “she was my gal.”  They were married in December 1948 and had four marvelous children together; Jerilyn Odekirk Ewing, Norman Cambell Odekirk Jr., Frank Verl Odekirk and Juli Odekirk.

In 1952 Dutch bought The Flying D Ranch outside St. Maries, Idaho where he lived for most of his life.  He and Gayle separated for 31 years, but their love never diminished.  They reunited in 2006 when Norman said to Gayle “We started this life together, we lost a son together, now we should finish together.”

Norman was a man with strength of character and an enduring sense of honor.  He lived his life humbly and taught others through his example of hard work and determination.  He persevered through war, multiple types of cancer, and the struggle that age brings with it.  He led our family as our patriarch and our friend.  He taught us to fish, to waterski, to drive, and to take risks in this life worth taking.  He showed us how to be fearless and calm.  His wisdom, strength and love will live in our hearts and minds forever.