Obituary of William R. O'Dell

William R. “Bill” O’Dell, age 75, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield with his loved ones by his side. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 16, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner. Rev. Kevin Ader will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. Wednesday until the time of service at the church. Bill was born on July 20, 1941 in Wisconsin Rapids to Roland and Frances (Mahoney) O’Dell. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. Bill married Kathleen “Kathy” Allworden on November 9, 1963, they were blessed with 49 years of marriage. Kathleen preceded him in death on June 4, 2012. He served his country in the Wisconsin National Guard 32nd Infantry Red Arrow Division during the Berlin Crisis. Bill was employed by the Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company for 35 years until his retirement. Bill enjoyed being outdoors and loved watching birds, feeding the deer, going on fishing trips to Leech Lake, and going on vacation to his favorite destination, Hawaii. He was very outgoing, quick witted and he could tell a good joke. William spent his retirement years playing pool, going to the casino, walking his dogs, and drinking Miller Lite. KFC buffet was a favorite treat on Wednesdays. William is survived by his three daughters: Colleen Smith of Wisconsin Rapids, Susan (Brian) Hassmann of Destin, FL, and Carmen (Richard) Hamm of Oshkosh; grandsons: Dustin Smith of Wisconsin Rapids, Preston (Amanda) Smith of Wisconsin Rapids, Jeremy O’Dell, Washington, DC, Christopher O’Dell of Germany, Shaquille Pabst of Madison, Brett Hamm of Texas, and Brandon Hamm of Oshkosh; granddaughter: Heidi Hassmann of Destin, FL; great-grandchildren: Colin and Madison O’Dell of Colorado, Jenessa and Lexi Smith of Minnesota, and Cameron and Natalie Smith of Wisconsin Rapids; special friend, Emily “Horseshoe” Saeger; and his beloved dogs, Rex and Baby. In addition to his wife, Kathy, William was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Richard and Robert O’Dell, sister, Shirley Arneson and her husband Arnie; and many of his beloved dogs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the South Wood County Humane Society or St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner.