Kenneth W. O’Dell, age 74, of Marathon, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016, at his home in Marathon, Iowa.

Kenneth Warren O’Dell was born on Sept. 19, 1941, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. He was the son of Warren and Bessie (Masterman) O’Dell. He was educated at schools in New York State.

In 1958, he entered the US Navy where he served for 20 years.

On Sept. 27, 1962, Kenneth married Marlene Barber in Storm Lake.

Following Kenneth’s discharge from the Navy in 1978, the couple settled in Marathon.

Kenneth did mechanic work for several years at John Deere and then Massey Ferguson. He then worked as the parts manager for Laurens Auto Parts for 17 years, retiring in 2003. In retirement, he worked parttime as a mail carrier.

Marlene passed away in 1989.

Ken was a member of VFW and a past member of the Marathon Fire Department. He served as a Cub Scout Leader and he enjoyed building model cars, collecting coins and golfing.

Survivors include his sons, Bobby (Carolyn) O’Dell of Oak Harbor, Kevin (Annie) O’Dell of Early, Jim (Anna) O’Dell of Long Beach, Miss., and Steve O’Dell of Marathon; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother Robert (Pat) O’Dell of Oak Harbor. Kenneth was preceded by his parents and his wife Marlene.

Funeral services were held in Lauren, Iowa, on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Burial at sea will follow under the auspices of the U.S. Navy. Please visit Ken’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.