Odella S. Dalzell

Odella S. Dalzell, 93, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Pembilier Nursing Center, Walhalla, ND. Funeral Service will be held Monday, February 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Walhalla- Park Center Presbyterian Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service.

Odella Shirley Bjerke was born February 12, 1932, in rural Adams, the daughter of Carl & Olga (Stromstad) Bjerke. The family moved to Nash and later bought a farm south of Cavalier in 1939 where they farmed. She went to grade school at the Fisher Country school, and high school in Cavalier. 

Odella loved the farm and helped her mother in the garden and her father in the fields driving the tractor and truck. She was active in high school, singing in choir and playing trumpet in the band. After graduation she attended Mayville Teachers’ College for 6 weeks and received a standard teaching certificate. She taught school in Park Center, East of Walhalla, for 1 ½ years until she married Clifford Dalzell in November of 1952, where they farmed together and raised 3 children. 

Odella was a very kind and giving person. She was very active in the Park Center Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday School and summer Bible School. When that church closed, the family went to the Presbyterian Church in Walhalla. She was Clerk of Session there for over 30 years. She was also on a bowling team for several years. Odella loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren spent a lot of time with their grandma and they loved playing card games with her. When Odella moved to town she babysat other children for several years, whom she cared for like her own. 

Odella is survived by her 3 children: Kent (Lisa) Dalzell and their children; Jessica (Matt) Marsh , Newburg, ND; Jill (Travis) Hager, Dickinson, ND; Richard Dalzell, Grand Forks, ND and Brett (Kaity) Dalzell, Fargo, ND: Judy Jackson and her children; Christopher (Kim) Jackson, and Scott Jackson, both of Walhalla, ND: Lori Maloney and her children; Megan Lawrence, Fargo, ND and Mandi (Brady) Larson, West Fargo, ND. Great-Grandchildren Emily, Caleb and Maggie Jackson; Ethan, Josie and Bentley Marsh; Hailey and Nicholas Lawrence; Simon and Philip Larson; and Daxton Dalzell. Also, Brother-in-law Wesley Thomas, Sister-in-law Delores McBain and several nieces and nephews. 

Odella was preceded in death by her parents; Sister and Brother-in-law, Clarice & Kenny Dahl; Sister, Audrey Thomas; & Brother, Charles Bjerke.