Donald Omdahl, 84, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 following an aggressive battle with Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who was always there when we needed him.
Celebration of life honoring Don will take place from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Obit in Thief River Falls, MN.
Please join Don’s family at the American Legion in Thief River Falls following the Celebration of life.
Donald Gene Omdahl was born on April 5, 1939 in Warren, MN, the son of Olaf and Ruth (Larson) Omdahl. He graduated from Warren High School in 1957.
On September 20, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Connie Arnold in Euclid, MN. They were blessed with four children—Deb, Vicki, Greg, and Kathy. They raised their family in Thief River Falls, MN, where he worked for Dow Key from 1956-1969. Don started his position with Arctic Cat overseeing testing and new products engineering from 1969 until 1981. In 1982 Don and Connie purchased The Lantern with partners Jan and Dean Lawrenz. They successfully owned and operated the business until 2004, at which time he happily retired with his wife Connie.
Don was active in bowling, curling, dance club, golfing, Bridge, hunting, and fishing. Don always enjoyed his time with family and was always willing to help his friends and family with many different projects.
For the past 35 years, Don especially enjoyed spending time at his hunting land where he built a cabin and several outbuildings and maintained food plots and miles of trails.
Donald is survived by children: Deb, TRF, Greg, Fargo, ND, Kathy (Mike) Wright, Mpls, MN; 7 grandchildren: Sam (Lynn), Kevin (Madison), Kendra (Ben), Abby, Kyja, Sean, and Birgen (Brandon); 8 great-grandchildren: Gavin, Brayden, Daxton, Aspyn, Cadan, Zoey, Laci, and Chase; sister: Meridel (Bob) Smicek; brother, Richard Omdahl; sisters-in-law, Janet Arnold and Jackie Lee; brothers-in-law, Bob Filipy and Peter Hapka; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Connie; daughter, Vicki “Brynn”; son-in-law, Phil Hartman; daughter-in-law, Kathy Louise Omdahl; his parents; brother, James; brothers-in-law, Eddy Arnold and George Arnold; sisters-in-law, Sandy Hapka and Evie Omdahl.
The family suggests donations be given to the Thief River Falls Education Foundation or the Warren Education Foundation.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com