Obituary of K O'Dell

O'Dell, Ben K. Went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 15, 2012. He was born June 19, 1929 to the late Gertrude (nee Ryan) and Ben O'Dell in Greeley, Iowa on the family farm where he was raised with a very strong work ethic. A graduate of Cornell College of Mt. Vernon, IA, a member of the colleges' 1947 NCAA Championship Wrestling Team which was inducted into the State and National Hall of Fame. He was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corp. who served during the Korean Conflict. Beloved husband of 61 years to Betty (nee Sweany); Loving father of Michael (Kathryn) O'Dell, Patty (Steve) Dankert, David (Carol) O'Dell and Rob (Jeannine) O'Dell. Devoted grandfather of Sean, Casey and William; Ryan and Becky; Brian, Beth, Tim and Benjamin; Dan and Calvin. Proud great grandfather of 10. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. A former resident of Waukesha, WI and Wheaton, IL, Ben was a retired business owner and salesman extroardinaire. He truly was a people person who was passionate about life, his family and accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour in 1970. All friends and relatives are invited to Minooka Bible Church, 412 N. Wabena St., Minooka, IL, Friday, September 21, 2012, where a Memorial Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Child Evangelism Fellowship would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday, 4 - 8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500