Thief River Falls – Shirley Odegaard Leach, 93, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND wrapped in the love of her family and under the care of Bethany on 42nd and Ethos Hospice.
Shirley Ann Matzke was born on May 10, 1932, at home in rural Thief River Falls to Harold and Neva (Burtness) Matzke, the oldest of three daughters. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. She attended Elwell Country School in Silverton Township. Shirley moved into town during her high school years to attend class, be involved in school activities, and work at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator. She enjoyed her job and the friends she made there. Shirley graduated in 1950 from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls.
In 1952, she married Douglas Odegaard at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. They moved to Grand Forks, ND, where Shirley continued working at Northwestern Bell to support Doug through college. The following years included moves to Crookston, Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks. Their family expanded to six children over these years: Steve, Lori, Julie, Dave, Dan, and Doug Jr.
Shirley’s biggest adventure was moving the family to Puerto Rico (Ramey AFB) in 1967. Doug’s career took them to this beautiful island for four years. Her family has great memories of their time there.
In 1971, the family returned to Thief River Falls, where Shirley raised six kids on her own with the help of her extended family. The following years were challenging for her. In a way, it brought them closer together.
In 1982, she married Walter Leach, Sr. in Thief River Falls. He was a great stepfather to her children.
As happens in life, Shirley started a new chapter. She lived life on her own terms until she moved to Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo, ND, due to health issues.
Shirley loved traveling, recipe books, looking at magazines, watching Food Network, and listening to music. She was a member of Abundant Life Church. She loved talking about her 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, and they loved calling her “Great.” She is survived by her six children: Steve (Diane) Odegaard of Fargo, ND, Lori (Mike) Sorteberg of Thief River Falls, Julie (Brian) Hersch of Fargo, ND, David (Jan) Odegaard of West Fargo, ND, Dan (Lana) Odegaard of Princeton, KY, and Doug (Michel) Odegaard Jr of Rochert, MN; 14 grandchildren: Kali (Josh) Wachter, Chelsey Odegaard, Lisa (Ryan) Schlosser, Sean (Amanda) Sorteberg, Garrett (Samantha) Foss, Jordan (Juliana Jordan) Hersch, Chandler (Kelly) Hersch, Bailey Odegaard, Katie Odegaard, Anders Odegaard, Gretta (Jonathan) Travelstead, Gunnar (Abbie) Odegaard, Dakota Odegaard, and Samantha Odegaard. She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren: Lincoln and Tatum Wachter; Noah, Beau, and Eli Schlosser; Summer, Sophie, and Spencer Sorteberg; Declan Hersch; Owen, Levi, Ezekiel, Nora, and Oscar Odegaard; Isadora, RiverLynn, Bexley, and Hardy Travelstead; Bennett, Emery, and Vera Odegaard. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Liden Selke of Thief River Falls, and Darlene Lauer of Hampton, MN; brother-in-law, Marvin (Kris) Odegaard of Lake Crystal, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Neva Matzke; brothers-in-law, Ardell Liden and Larry Lauer; and nephew, Mike Liden.
May her memory be blessed.
The funeral service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Abundant Life Church in Thief River Falls.
Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, one-half hour before the service (12:30 p.m.)
In lieu of flowers – memorials may be given to Abundant Life Church, Ethos Hospice or Bethany on 42nd.
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