Odean was raised on a crop and livestock family farm near Hayward, seven miles East of Albert Lea, MN. He was very interested in 4-H and FFA, showing cattle and hogs and participating in many judging contests. After graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1955, he farmed with his father until he entered the Army in 1959 for two years. While on leave in the summer of 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet. A few weeks later Odean received orders to go to Korea for 13 months. His highlight in Korea was being the personal driver for the commanding General of I-Corps Artillery.
Odean and Janet have four wonderful children; Greg, Gary, Lisa and Jeffery, as well as eight grandchildren.
He has been active in the community as a 4-H leader for 20+ years, board director for the Freeborn County Pork Producers and for the Spring Barrow Show, Director at the Freeborn County Fair, Director at St. John’s Lutheran Home and has received the 1980 Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year Award. For many years, Odean has been active in the East Freeborn Lutheran Church. His hobbies include fishing and gardening.
In 1995, Odean went to Real Estate School. He started working for Jensen Real Estate part-time in 1996 and went to full time after 2000. He really enjoys helping land owners sell their farms and finding farms for those who want to buy.
