Gene Odenbach

Gene Enoch Odenbach, 64, Woodworth, ND was united with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, August 15, 2011 under Hospice care.

Gene was born at Woodworth, ND, on May 10, 1947 to Donald Sr. and Bernice (Brophy) Odenbach.

Gene attended country school in Paris Township through 7th grade and graduated from Woodworth High School in 1965. He was active in sports and 4-H, and particularly enjoyed showing cattle at the Stutsman County fair. In 1969 Gene graduated with a bachelors degree in Animal Science and a minor in Economics from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, where he was active in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, a member of the NDSU Livestock Judging Team, and a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Gene married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Marlene Sargent, on June 1, 1969. They have made their home on the farmstead where Gene?s father and grandfather farmed before him. He loved riding horses, took great pride in raising Hereford cattle and farming, and he lived for his family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, and a dedicated member of the Woodworth community. Gene served on boards for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Woodworth, Woodworth Public School, Woodworth Farmers Grain, Paris Township, served many years as a leader of the Woodworth Golden Eagles 4-H Club, which was founded by his father, and was a member of the North Dakota Stockmen?s Association.

Gene is survived by his wife Marlene, of Woodworth; son Ryan (Cheri) of Jamestown; daughter Danette (Daniel) Welsh of Fairplay, CO; brothers Donald Jr. (Carol) of Woodworth, Allen (Jan) of Fargo, and Robert (LaRue) of Pingree; a sister Sally (Sutin) Sorawat of Grand Forks, sister-in-law Sally Odenbach of Pingree, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Gene has five grandchildren ? Lydia Maryl, Lane Matthew, Grace Elizabeth, James Gene and Amelia DeAnna Odenbach ? whom he cherishes and will watch over from Heaven.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brother Raymond Odenbach, and sisters-in-law Marcia Odenbach, Doris Odenbach and Ruth Odenbach.