Lester Odeen, 89, of Tipton, formerly of Oxford Junction, died peacefully Friday, December 9, 2022 at Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Tipton.

Lester James Odeen was born on January 31, 1933, in Anamosa, IA, the son of Edward and Maude (Stanaway) Odeen. He attended school in Central City and was a member of the Central City High School Class of 1951. He was employed as a field representative for Link-Belt Speeder in Cedar Rapids. He owned and operated the Odeen Welding Shop in Alburnett and later owned and operated Tri-State Mill and Elevator in Stanwood.  After many years in the construction business, Lester then farmed and lived by Hale, Iowa. After his farming years, Lester moved to Oxford Junction Iowa and continued to work in agriculture, selling MoorMan's Feed.  He was a member of St. Marks Episcopalian Church in Anamosa and later St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oxford Junction. He was also a member of the Olin Masonic Lodge and the Issac Walton League.  Lester lived for the outdoors, spending time fishing and mushroom hunting, passing on his knowledge of each to his family. He enjoyed wintering in Texas and loved to spend time with his family.

He is survived by his children Sherry (Kenneth) Schmidt, of Clarence, Edward (Shelly) Odeen of Mesa, AZ, Linda (Steve) Haywood, of Union, and Jeffrie (Helen) Odeen, of Willmington, IL, nine grandchildren, thirteen great, and five great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Edward Odeen, his siblings Harry and Marion Odeen, Peg and Arnold Steenhoek, Florence and Merle Knapp, Carl and Dorothy  Odeen and his very special friend, Glenice Thompson.

Private graveside services will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Daniel Pell of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Oxford Junction officiating.  Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life and luncheon to be held at the Community Center in Oxford Junction Iowa at 3:00 pm on Friday, December 16th, 2022.  Please use the Guestbook and share your thoughts, stories, memories, and condolences with Lester's family.

The family would like to give a special thanks the staff of Prairie Hills Assisted Living for the wonderful care Lester received.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be directed to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Oxford Junction or to Camp Courageous.