High school grad
2009-12-03 / Life Currents
 On Thanksgiving, John Odden received an honorary high school diploma at his home in Staples. John, who was born in August, 1926, attended school in Staples with the members of the class of 1945. While his classmates were receiving their diplomas, John was in Okinawa with the United States Navy's 40th Seabee's where he was building an air strip for the United States Marines. In attendance at the "graduation" were John's family including his wife, Norma; his sons Dan, Dave, Larry, Ron and Ed; daughter Karen; their spouses; and 11 of his 17 grandchildren. A special thanks goes to SMHS Principal Dean Ogg who hand-delivered the diploma to John's daughter-in-law, Sandy Odden, at Staples Elementary. John's health (sight and hearing) prevented him from taking part in recent graduation ceremonies held at the high school for similar veterans. (Submitted photo) |
