Shirley L. Odegaard, 92, died peacefully on Sunday Jan. 14, 2018 at Clarkson Health Care Center in Rapid City, following an extended stay where she was well cared for in the latter years of her life.
Shirley was born Dec. 2, 1925 in Hartford to Henry Carls and Edith (Stride) Carls. She grew up on the family farm, was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, graduated from Hartford High School in 1943, and graduated from Augustana College in 1947 with BA’s in both art and music. At Augustana, Shirley met the love of her life, Carmi J. Odegaard, where they both sang in the college choir. They were married in 1948.
A very busy mother of four, Shirley balanced family with her work-at-home business of being a photographic artist, which she continued for over 50 years. In 1978, she developed an interest in and began the practice of the Scandinavian art of rosemaling.
Her pieces were in high demand and are cherished by all who own them. In 1992, one of her pieces was awarded a blue ribbon at an arts and crafts competition which was held at an International Sons of Norway convention in Lillehammer, Norway.
She was actively involved in churches where she lived as she sang in church choirs while often performing solos, was involved in women’s Bible study groups, and even baked loaves of bread for communion. Her activities also included the Black Hills Rosemalers and Sons of Norway. She enjoyed watching football, basketball, or baseball games on TV and when possible, attending school functions, sporting events, and concerts that her children and grandchildren participated in.
Shirley will be greatly missed by her children, Steve (Mary) Odegaard, Hiawatha, Iowa, Les (Ferne) Odegaard, Keystone; Lee Anne (Dave) England, Rapid City and Joe (Juli) Odegaard, Rapid City; 11 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, three nephews, a niece, her sister-in-law Donna Carls of Tonica, Illinois, and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carmi, her brother Gordon Carls, and an infant granddaughter Karah Odegaard.
Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at South Canyon Lutheran Church in Rapid City. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Memorials can be directed to South Canyon Lutheran Church, Chapel in the Hills in Rapid Ciuty, or Clarkson Health Care.
