Roger Gerald O’Dell, 75, of Stanwood, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at his residence.

He was born July 1, 1948, in Toccoa, GA, the son of Joel and Shirley (Deaton) O’Dell, and moved with his family to Wyandotte at the age of four.  Roger graduated from Wyandotte Roosevelt High School in 1968, and immediately joined the U.S. Army.  He served four years during the Vietnam War, and upon his discharge he moved to Evart, and served for 10 years with the Army National Guard.

For many years, Roger worked for Evart Products/Ventra until retiring.  In 1993, Roger married Judy (nee Panek) Stewart, and they made their home in Stanwood.  He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, and read his Bible every day.  Roger also spent many hours assisting and driving for his friends in the Amish community, and was nice to everyone he met.  A good Republican, Roger also loved to talk politics. 

He is survived by his wife Judy; their children Jason (Amy) O’Dell of Evart; Ashley (Michael) Flachs of Evart; Rose (Ray) Buss of Stanwood; and Garry (Conie) Stewart of Arkansas; his mother Shirley of Cadillac; 14 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, including Ella with whom he had a special bond; his three sisters, Janet (Jack) Johnson of Cadillac, Andrea (Ed) Everly of TN, and Erla Jo O’Dell of NC; and several nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his father, daughters Amanda and Patricia, and his brother Randy.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Robert Garrels officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids, with military honors provided by American Legion Post #98 Honor Guard.  Roger’s family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Monday, November 20, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the church, or Hospice of Michigan.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.