Grace Alice (Strenke) Odberg, 90, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, in Luck, Wisconsin. Grace was born on Dec. 29, 1934, in Beaver Township in Polk County, Wisconsin, to Ernest & Pauline Strenke. She grew up on the family farm near Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, along with her three brothers, two sisters and one stepsister. She attended school at the Horseshoe Lake school. She was only able to attend school through 8th grade, as she was needed at home to help on the farm.
In her late teenage years, she met and dated Mylan Odberg. After dating for a while, they decided to “tie the knot” and were married on Feb. 6, 1954. They started their journey by renting the “little house” on the Lily Larson property south of Cushing, Wisconsin. Dad was a milk hauler and Mom worked at the Cushing Co-op store. After approximately eight years, they outgrew the “little house” after having three daughters, Bonnie, Betty and Brenda, so they decided to build a house east of Cushing on County Rd. Z. Several years later, two more children were added to the mix, Bev and Brent. Mom lived there for most of her life until health issues prevented her from remaining at home.
Mom loved to cook, bake and host parties with family and friends. She was known for her homemade bread, caramel rolls and fudge-frosted brownies. Mom was also known for her bottomless cookie jar! Her cookies were a favorite for many kids in the neighborhood, along with the grandkids, nephews and nieces that would stop by for a visit. We have several fond memories of the “500” card parties that were held at our house. Mom always made sure to have good food for her guests. She also loved family gatherings; it was important for her to keep in touch with everyone.
We would often have parents in the neighborhood ask Mom if she could watch their kids after school until the parents got home from work. She graciously accepted responsibility, and when the kids got off the bus at our house, she always had a treat waiting for them. She was “Grandma Grace” to all of them!
Mom also raised a large garden throughout the years. She made the best pickles. She also canned a lot of vegetables for all of us kids, even after we left home and started families of our own. She was so generous with her time and talents; a great caregiver and provider to all of us. Mom spent the last couple of years at the United Pioneer Home at Luck, Wisconsin, where she made new friends, enjoyed “off-road” activities (Ranger & carriage rides) and enjoyed the special music. The staff was so wonderful to her, and we are so grateful! We visited with her often and had many get-togethers there with family and friends.
Mom, we are so thankful for you and all your examples of love, kindness & friendship that will remain with us for the rest of our lives. We will miss you dearly, but you will be in our hearts forever! I will end this by saying what I always said to her before I left the nursing home. Love ya Mom! She always replied, “I love you, too, kiddo”.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mylan Odberg; daughter, Bonnie Simonson; brothers, Arnold, Erwin “Butch” and Arty; as well as her sisters, Esther and Carol; her stepsister, Della Green; her grandson, Kristopher; and great-grandson, James Maunu.
Grace is survived by her children, Betty (Monty Stanton) Tisdale, Brenda (Shane) Bernitt, Bev (Marty) Langenback and Brent Odberg; and her grandchildren, Mylan “Mick” (Chris) Simonson, Marci Schroeder, Marcus (Abby) Simonson, Jacob (Mary Rose) Tisdale, Cory Tisdale, Bailey (Basil) Ramsdell and Barkley Bernitt; as well as many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Service celebrating Grace’s life will be held on Monday, May 12, at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria at 2 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.
