Gary Alan O'Dell

Gary Alan O’Dell was born in Ottumwa, Iowa to William “Bill” O’Dell and Marjorie Renfrew on November 5th, 1961.  He was the second oldest of 5 siblings: Steve, Lori, Glen and Aschere.  Gary had 4 children, two boys; Josh and Jeff and two girls; Amanda and Abby.

Gary graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1980, he spent most of his life in Iowa, then back and forth in Colorado.  His father Bill owned a bait and archery supply shop in Ottumwa from 1977-1980’s, where he spent a lot of his time with family and friends!   He worked as a cell tower technician for AT&T in 1983-1985 and traveled the country climbing towers.  During the 1980’s and 90’s the O’Dell family shot professional archery for Matthew’s outfitter and enjoyed the sport as a family!

Gary went into the construction industry working with his brother Glen O’Dell for several years and then on to Manley Brothers Construction which took him to the Twin Cities, Minnesota for a few years.  Gary worked with several local friends doing odd and end jobs. 

 He had a passion for cars that were fast and loud!  He loved working in the shop, fixing up hot rods and dirt track cars and getting them ready to race!  He had a very green thumb, he loved flowers, gardening and watching them all grow!

In 2010, Gary operated a dude ranch in Estes Park, CO.  There he managed over 100 horses for trail rides, a lodge that fits up to 250 guests and an all-day kitchen that provided food for guests and wranglers!  There he met people from all over the world, and he enjoyed the scenery and lifestyle until the property was flooded out in 2013.

Gary then retired and spent his time building almost anything, organizing his tools in the garage and listening to his music. He enjoyed spending his time fixing up machinery or rigging up something old for a new purpose!  He was very creative, he made beautiful furniture and loved working with his hands!

Gary lost his battle with lung cancer and passed away on Thursday, January 16th, 2025.  Gary was a free spirit and always found the best in any situation.  He was loved so much and will be greatly missed!

Gary is survived by his son, Josh (Alicia) O’Dell, daughters Amanda (Rasool) Daoud and Abigail (Joel Jakel) Haffner; along with Grandson Jeffrey Seegrist.  He is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey O’Dell, and both parents, Bill and Marge O’Dell.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Alan O'Dell, please visit our floral store.