Richard "Odie" E. Odemoe

Richard E. “Odie” Odemoe, 77, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, left our world for eternal glory on Sunday, November 30, 2025. He was born on April 23, 1948, in La Crosse to Edward and Clara (Olson) Odemoe. During his earlier years, he attended school in Onalaska and graduated from Onalaska High School.

For several years Odie bartended at the Scoreboard Bar in Onalaska, and he also worked for Mac’s Bait Shop. During this time, he made many lifelong friends. He later became a truck driver for Hydrite Chemical in La Crosse and worked there for 36 years until his retirement. His laughter and sense of humor were among some of his greatest qualities, along with his kindness and caring for everyone, never to be forgotten. Everyone that knew Odie loved him.

Odie married the love of his life, Elaine Bakkenstuen, on May 3, 1997. Together they spent their time traveling, bird watching and enjoying many family outings. Sadly, Elaine passed away on December 15, 2020.

Odie was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, and he enjoyed collecting memorabilia for his Packer room. He also enjoyed collecting Peerless Beer glasses and signs. He enjoyed several trips to the Brewers games in Milwaukee with his cousins Chuck and Janet. Odie enjoyed the Loggers games in La Crosse with his friends, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing, planting flowers and raising pots of tomatoes. He also loved his pets.

Odie shared a very special bond with his sister, Vicki, and loved taking her out to eat and trying new restaurants. Together they would have a blast going on road trips just for fun, whether it be nostalgic or new adventures. He and Vicki loved to sing along in the car to oldies music. They would talk to each other every day.

He also enjoyed cribbage and spent timeless hours a week playing with his second cousin, Jenna Schleifer. He was her biggest support during her accidents and was always there for her. Odie had a heart of gold.

Odie is survived by his sister, Vicki Wooden (Steve Erickson), his nephew, Uriah Wooden, great-nephew Wyatt Wooden, stepson Chad Oliver and family, his goddaughter, Alexis Svee, his special cousins Chuck Schleifer (Janet), Jim Schleifer (Mary), John Schleifer (Alicia) and Jeff Schleifer. Besides his wife, Elaine, he was preceded in death by his parents, and stepsons, Clayton Oliver and Frank Oliver.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in Onalaska. Pastor Jason Stanton will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 am to 12 pm with a service at 12 pm. Burial will follow the service at Onalaska City Cemetery.