Dean E. Odekirk

On Saturday May 6, 2023 a wonderful soul was added to heaven. Dean Ellsworth Odekirk, 70, of Iola, WI passed away at Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Neenah. He was Born in Fond du Lac, WI to Lowell and Betty (Schallog) Odekirk on August 11, 1952. He completed grade school at Redeemer Lutheran Church & School (WELS), was a graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy, and graduated from UW Madison. After college he worked for the Fond du Lac Police Department as a police officer for over 32 years. He married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Butzke on May 3, 1980, and in 1984 they welcomed a son, Matthew. As a child he enjoyed going on the train with his grandfather, walking through the woods at his uncle Don’s, and spending time with family in Three Lakes. After retiring from Law Enforcement, Dean worked for The Illinois Railway for 9 years, first as a conductor and then as an engineer. In 2019 after he was fully retired, he and Pat moved to their dream retirement home near Iola where he was a member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church. He had a wonderful charm about him, and always liked to make those around him laugh. He loved deer hunting, walking the wooded trails on his property, being in his man cave, and spending time with his son and grandchildren. He loved taking the grandchildren out into the woods with him, teaching them things and telling them stories. Dean named his grandson due in July, Cullen. He really enjoyed trains, visiting with friends and family, reading, relaxing, doing Sudoku, and crossword puzzles. He especially loved his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Betty and Lowell Odekirk and his father-in-law William Butzke. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife Patricia of 43 years; son, Matthew (Crystal) Odekirk; grandchildren Dixie, Kristen, Kelly, Keegan and Cullen (on the way); sister, Lorna (Loron) Bock; and mother-in-law, Barbara Butzke. sisters-in-law Barbara (Terry) Miller, Bonnie Butzke, and brother-in-law, William “Bill” (Maryann) Butzke. He will also be remembered by many other relatives, friends, and past co-workers. We thank everyone for the special care they gave to Dean, and everyone’s prayers during this journey. The family is comforted knowing that by God’s grace, Dean is now in the Lord’s loving hands. The family will receive friends on Friday May 12, 2023 from 6-9PM at Voie Funeral Home 120 S. Main Street, Iola, WI 54945, and on Saturday May 13, 2023 from 9:30AM- 10:45AM at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 125 North St, Iola, WI 54945 where a memorial service will be held at 11:00AM. Pastor Greg Haugen will officiate. Following the service cremation will take place.