Cora Odland • 1900 - 2007

Cora Odland, 106, Minot, ND, formerly of Simcoe, ND, died Tuesday, September 4, 2007 in a Minot nursing home.

Cora was born on October 13, 1900, the daughter of Anton and Petra Hanson in Clifford, ND. The following year the family to Simcoe, ND, where they started farming. Cora attended country schools in the area, and at one time had a man teacher who was very strict and gave her long and difficult assignments. Many nights her father would sit with her at the kitchen table with a kerosene lamp, and help her and the other children with their studies.

Anton was in poor health and while visiting a doctor in Drake he passed away of a heart attack at the age of forty. This left Petra with five children to care for, along with running the farm. Many times hiring men to do the chores. Cora was always helping her neighbors, when the Flu epidemic of 1918 was rampant, Cora helped out those who were ill, often times putting herself in danger. Cora graduated from Granville High School in 1919, as valedictorian of her class. She furthered her education at Valley City State College, where she received her teaching certificate. She taught in Erie, Grenora and Simcoe, ND.

In 1939, she was united in marriage to Swen Odland. Their very first crop was completely hailed out, but the following years were good. In 1971, they retired from farming. Swen died in 1971. Cora continued to live on the farm until 1990. She lived in Towner with her sister Alma for a time before moving to Velva, ND. In May of 2003, she moved into Trinity Homes.

Cora was active in church affairs, holding many offices in Stenkjaer Lutheran Church in Simcoe. She was a member of the ELCA ladies aid, church choir, Sons of Norway and the Farmers Union. Cora was noted for her detailed memories. She was an avid student of the Holy Bible and could quote many scriptures. She kept abreast of local and worldly affairs. She enjoyed traveling, going to England, France, Italy and several times to Norway. If ever there was an angel on this Earth, she was one.

Cora is survived by nieces: Carol Demorrivillie and Mary Olson; nephews, Alden Olson, Harding Sollid, Leland Sollid, Hilton Sollid, and many third and fourth generation siblings, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Octavia Sollid, Alma Olson, Esther Harness, brother, Harold Hanson, nephews Elmo Sollid, Doran Olson, nieces Lona (Gordon) Westford, and Eunice (Gusty) Miller and Nadine Sollid (wife of Harding.)

Visitation: Monday, September 10, 2007 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva, ND

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 11, 2007, 2 p.m. at the Stenkjaer Lutheran Church, Simcoe, ND

Burial: Stenkjaer Cemetery, Simcoe, ND

Officiant: Rev. Rollin Rogness

Scripture Reader: Curtis Thom

Music
Congregational hymns:
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
"He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought"
Rev. Rollin Rogness and Mary Lou Rogness, vocalists to offer:
"Love Divine So Great and Wondrous"
"Beyond The Sunset"
Karlyn Frantsen, organist

Honorary Bearers: Cora's nieces and nephews

Active Bearers: John Odland, Larry Sollid, Gary Sollid, Mark Thomas, Merwyn Sollid, Myron Sollid

To sign the online guest register for Cora
To view the online guest register for Cora

To view the outside of Cora's folder
To view the inside of Cora's folder

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