Leon Karl Odendahl, 88, of Florissant, Colorado, passed away at home on June 8, 2026, after a short battle with leukemia.

Leon was born in Coupeville, Washington, to Ernest Ralph Odendahl and Letha Clorinte Myers Odendahl. His early life was shaped by hard work, family resilience, and the coal mining communities of the American West. His parents first tried to build a life through farming and moved to Sonoma, California, shortly after Leon was born. The family later spent time in Oak Creek, Colorado, where his father worked in the mines, before moving to Dragerton, Utah, where Leon spent much of his childhood and made many of his formative memories.

Leon attended Utah State University, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi. During summer breaks, he worked in coal and uranium mines to help pay his way through school. After graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as a medic, an experience that deepened his desire to serve others. He went on to earn a graduate degree in social work from Washington State University and spent his career at the VA hospital, where he found purpose in helping veterans and their families.

Leon was first married to Jane Ann Heschele, and together they had two sons, Scot and Kent, whom they raised in Arvada, Colorado. He later met Gloria Jean Kerr through their shared love of square dancing, and the two built many years of life together. After retirement, Leon and Gloria moved to Florissant, Colorado, where they enjoyed the mountain life and remained until his passing.

Leon loved all things outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found peace and joy in nature, and he shared that love with his children and family. Whether hunting, fishing, exploring, or simply spending time outside, Leon was happiest when he was surrounded by the natural world. His love of the outdoors became part of the legacy he passed on to those who loved him.

Leon lived life on his own terms, with strength, conviction. He left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. His voice may be silent now, but his spirit will forever roam the places he loved.

Leon was the youngest of his siblings and the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Letha Odendahl; his brother, Neil Odendahl; and his sisters, Carol Moser and Vera June Odendahl.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jean Odendahl; his sons, Scot Odendahl and Kent Odendahl; and his grandchildren, Ava Odendahl, Emmet Odendahl, Alexa Odendahl, and Zoe Odendahl. He is also survived by Gloria’s children, Greg Kerr, Deborah Yamane, and Cindy Dunkle; his nephew, [Car/Lyle] Neil Odendahl, and family; his nieces and nephews, Ellen Margaret Moser, Sara Lynne Moser, Jeffry Howard Moser, Shawn Marie Walker, and Kurtis Ian McDowell; and other extended family members and friends.

A burial dedication will be held at the Florissant Pioneer on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Woodland Park, Colorado.