Joanne K. O’Dell

Joanne Kathleen (Odbert) Guth O’Dell, a gifted artist, devoted mother, and self-proclaimed “crone of wisdom,” passed away peacefully at home in Altoona, WI on February 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters. She was 93 years old.

Born in Sturgeon Bay, WI to Agnes (Kerscher) Odbert and Ralph Odbert, Joanne’s early life was shaped by both loss and love. Her biological father passed away while her mother was pregnant with her sister Rheta. When Agnes later married Roy Guth, he adopted both girls, and the family soon welcomed a son, Robert, completing their family circle.

From childhood, Joanne’s artistic spirit flourished. By third grade, she had already won first prize for her drawing at the Door County Fair. Her youth was spent picking cherries in the orchard, swimming in the bay, and nurturing her passion for art. Determined to see and paint the world, Joanne worked as a waitress to save money for her education at the Art Institute of Chicago.

While working at the Shoppers Grill restaurant in Chicago, Joanne met William “Bill” R. O’Dell. His handsome looks, quirky sense of humor, and impressive art portfolio immediately captured her heart. They married in 1952, beginning a lifelong love story that would span decades. The couple welcomed three children while living in Illinois, briefly relocated to Baltimore, then returned to Chicago for Bill to complete his degree.

In 1965, the family settled in Milwaukee when Bill accepted a position as an Industrial Designer at GE Medical Systems. Their home quickly became an artist’s haven filled with love, laughter, and family meals. Their family grew again in 1967 when they adopted their 18-month-old daughter Vickie.

Joanne’s pursuit of education continued throughout her life. In 1973, she graduated Cum Laude from Alverno College with a BA in art and a minor in education. During this period, she forged lifelong friendships with the “Merry Bookwomen” of Alverno and became an advocate for women’s equal rights.

Her professional path included substitute teaching, working at Alverno College, and eventually taking a full-time position with Milwaukee County. At the Mental Health Complex, her research and dedication improved processes and saved the county significant resources before her retirement.

As an accomplished artist, Joanne excelled in portrait painting, watercolor, and copper enameling. She taught metalworking, drawing, watercolor, and enameling for the Milwaukee Public Schools Adult Education Department. Her artistic talents earned her numerous awards and memberships in several art associations, including Wisconsin Women in the Arts, the Great Lakes Enameling Guild, the League of Milwaukee Artists, and the West Allis Art Alliance.

Beginning in 1976, Joanne shared her enameling skills at Danebod, an annual week-long family camp in Tyler, MN. She and Bill attended yearly until 2012, missing only one year in 1996 when they were in Vladivostok, Russia. Her passion for exploring the world took her to India, Japan, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

A science fiction enthusiast, Joanne attended many conventions with Bill. She was also part of a salon group inspired by the Utne Reader magazine, gathering with friends to discuss contemporary issues.

In her later years, Joanne and Bill moved to Altoona to live with their daughter Vickie and her wife DeLeana. There, Joanne was lovingly cared for as she continued painting, drawing, knitting, writing, reading, and even published her memoir. She embraced her status as a “crone”—a woman of age, wisdom, and power—and remained a teacher and mentor to women of all ages.

The week before her passing, the family gathered for a celebration of life filled with dancing, singing, card games, laughter, and tears.

Joanne is survived by her son John (Peggy), Elaine Moertl (Stephen’s living partner), and daughters Maurya (Richard) Perkins and Vickie (DeLeana Strohl) O’Dell; grandchildren Tabitha (Justin Fontenberry) O’Dell, Morgan (Matt) Tobin, Zachary Carroll and Aaron; great-grandchildren Richard, Jayce and Harper; and great-great-grandson Kyson.

She was preceded in death by her parents Agnes and Roy Guth, sister Rheta (Jerome) Ewaskowitz, brother Robert (Leta Beringer) Guth, and son Stephen O’Dell.

A celebration of life for both Joanne and William O’Dell will be held on June 7, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM with the ceremony at 11:00 AM. Lunch will follow at Maxim’s Restaurant, 18025 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Please contact Vickie if you plan to attend the luncheon.

In honor of Joanne and Bill’s colorful and artistic lives, guests are encouraged to dress colorfully.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Joanne’s honor.