Francis Odenthal, 80

Francis John Odenthal, 80, of New Prague, died Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at his home.

Francis was born March 8, 1933, in Heidelberg, a son of John Jacob and Veronica ( B l a s c h k o ) Odenthal. He was a lifelong resident of Heidelberg, and graduated from Montgomery High School. He married Geraldine Kaufenberg on June 11, 1955, at St. Nicholas Church in New Market. Francis was I.T. Supervisor for Cenex for 32 years and also farmed all his life. He was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus and member and former president of the Heidelberg Athletic Association. Francis loved farming, family, friends, antique tractors, polka music and playing cards.

He is survived by his wife; children Gary (Susan) Odenthal, New Prague, Laurie (Lyle) Highland, Henderson, and Bob (Frances) Odenthal, Inver Grove; eight grandchildren Jessie (Eric) Hammerberg, Jacob (Lyza) Odenthal, Jenna Odenthal (and fiance Bradley Heimer), Lindsay, Lauren and Logan Highland, and Dane and AJ Odenthal; four great-grandchildren Evan and Charlotte Hammerberg and Connor and Ellarie Odenthal; mother- in-law Marcella Kaufenberg, New Prague; sisters-inlaw Millie Odenthal, Heidelberg, and Carol Odenthal, Heidelberg; and brother-inlaw Bob (JoAnne) Smishek, Minneapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Gerald Odenthal, Joseph Odenthal, Ann Smishek and Rita Hesse.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m., at the Church of St. Scholastica in Heidelberg, with Rev. Dave Barrett and Rev. Kevin Clinton officiating.

Interment was at the St. Scholastica Cemetery in Heidelberg. Pallbearers were Tom Hesse, Randy Odenthal, Kenny Odenthal, Kevin Odenthal, Rick Odenthal, Danny Hesse, Brett Johnson, Rob Johnson and Cory Johnson.

Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.