Ihla Ode, 85

Ihla M. Ode, 85

Brandon, SD- Ihla Mae Ode, 85, of Brandon, died peacefully Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 after living a life guided by kindness, calm, perseverance and love of family. Her memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at Brandon Lutheran Church. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at George Boom Funeral Chapel in Brandon, where the family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m.

Ihla Torkelson was born Sept. 17, 1932 in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Andrew and Letha (McCullough) Torkelson. She grew up on their farm east of Brandon. Ihla graduated from Brandon High School.

Ihla worked as a secretary in Sioux Falls before she and Lee Ode were married on Nov. 21, 1951 at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church. They first lived in Laguna Beach, Calif., where Lee was stationed with the U. S. Marines. After Lee was discharged, they returned to farm west of Brandon. 

Ihla was a dedicated farm wife and homemaker, and a true partner with her husband. She was always available to run into town for parts, kept the cookie jar full and brought lunch and afternoon treats to wherever the men were working. She guided her three children through countless 4-H projects, sewed many of the family's clothes, and was an active member of Brandon Lutheran Church. Ihla was an accomplished pianist and accompanied dozens of Brandon Valley band students over many years at music contests. Ihla had been a member of the Minnehaha Historical Society and enjoyed oil painting and gardening. 

Ihla and Lee have lived in the Bethany Homes senior community in Brandon for the past 3 1/2 years. The family is deeply grateful for the caring staff at Bethany and of Avera Hospice.

Grateful for having shared Ihla’s life are her husband, Lee; three children, Kim (John Danicic) Ode, Edina, Minn., Leslee (Bruce) Duncan, Brandon, Lee Steven (Nancy) Ode, Garretson, S.D.; six grandchildren, Austin Danicic, Andrew (Jessamyn) Ode, Laurel (Alois) Vogl, Becky (Tom) Crouse, Mimi (Kyle Sogard) Danicic, Erica (Grady Wirth) Ode; and many other relatives and friends. 

Ihla was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Francis Scott and Fayella Aspaas.

Please consider a donation in memory of Ihla to the Brandon Historical Society or the Brandon Lutheran Chancel Choir. 

For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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