Grace Joann (Appel) Odens

life story

Dynamite Comes in Small Packages

That was Grace's motto, and how she lived her life. Every ounce of her 4'11" frame was filled with passion and determination. There was never a question regarding how she felt on a topic, and never an end to pursuing what she wanted.

Born March 29th, 1950 in Ivanhoe, Minnesota, she was on the younger end of 13 children and often recalled how she would fight her siblings for food at the supper table. After graduating high school while completing her chores on the family farm, she attended Vo-Tech school in Canby, Minnesota, where she forged life-long friendships.

After a brief secretarial career, she met and married her husband of almost 30 years and had 3 children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo & Elizabeth Appel, siblings Laverne, Lenard, Robert (Bob), Raymond (Ray), John (Jack), Lois, and infant Angel Appel as well as former husband Ronald (Ron) Odens. Grace is survived by siblings: Carol Lietz, James (Jim) Appel, Donald Appel, Gary (spouse Shelly) Appel, and Marian (spouse Gerry) Carpenter, Children: Bradley (Brad) )Odens, Andrew (Andy) Odens (spouse Carly), Cheryl Graham (spouse Bill), and Grandchildren: Joshua (Josh), Josephine (Josie), Kiley, Charles (Charlie), Ashlyn, and Madison (Maddie).

In accordance with her wishes, she will rejoin her husband at Union Cemetery in Elbow Lake, MN during a private service for immediate family. Celebration of Life ceremonies will be scheduled as group gatherings can again be held safely.