Judge John E Odlin

Judge John E. Odlin 69, of Missoula passed away on Monday March 13th at his home of natural causes.

He was born January 4th, 1948 in Seattle, WA, to Fred W. and Pauline Odlin. John spent most of his childhood years in the Stevensville area. He graduated from Stevensville High School, where he played basketball and football. One of his favorite stories about high school was being able to skip shop class, drive to Missoula and get Herme's hamburgers for he and other kids and return to school before the next class. We are certain he wasn't following the speed limit.

On August 19th 1966 Judge Odlin married the love of his life Ruth Ann Mattson of Florence. At the time of his death John and Ruth had been married nearly 51 years and had even renewed their vows at the 30 year mark.

After high school Judge Odlin worked at White Pine and Sash, Cenex, Quality Supply and even built houses prior to going to the Montana Highway Patrol Academy in 1970.

Judge Odlin worked for the Montana Highway Patrol for the next 23 years including duty stations in Jordan, Terry, Butte and then Missoula. Twice during his career he was recognized as the Missoula Exchange Club Officer of the year. During his time with the Highway Patrol Judge Odlin also drove delivery trucks for Dailys Meats, worked events for Arrow Ambulance, served 15 years in the Montana National Guard and drove Beachliners to the Rose Bowl Parades.

Judge Odlin retired in 1994 when he won the election to take over Missoula County Justice of the Peace Department 1. Judge Odlin won re-election campaigns 3 times before retiring with 19 ¾ years due to health complications. During his terms he married more local couples than anyone could count.

Judge Odlin could often be found supporting the Montana Grizzlies, Missoula Osprey or any sports teams one of his grandchildren was playing on. He was a passionate fan and he even got a yellow card at a YMCA soccer game once. He also coached Little League baseball both for his son's teams and then continued to coach long after they were done playing baseball. He liked to collect coins, model trains, ridding any cow pasture of unwanted varmits and any practical joke or prank that he thought he could get away with.

Judge Odlin was preceeded in death by both his parents, aunts and uncles Kathy and Skeeter Mayberry, Vernon and Maria Woolsey, George and Gertrude Woolsey, Uncle Ray Sommers, Uncle John Woolsey, his friend and Mother-in-Law Gertrude Mattson great grand daughter Chloe, and other distant relatives.

Judge Odlin is survived by his loving wife Ruth, Son Chris wife Christy and grandsons CJ and Diego, Son Jerry wife Sherri, and grandson Dane, granddaughter Jordan, sons Roman and Grayson, and grandaughter Toni husband Luke daughters Kennedi and Raigan. Also his cronies Retired Highway Patrol Captain Mike Frellick, and Chief/Security Director/Sheriff/Chief Doug Chase.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Staff at Fresenius Medical Center, St. Pats Hospital, Missoula City Fire Department and Missoula Emergency Services for their compassion and care through what has been a very long and trying fight with Kidney Failure.

The family has asked Sander's County Justice of the Peace Don Strine, Highway Patrol Officer Mike Burman, Bob Burton and grandsons CJ Odlin, and Dane Stewart, to act as Pall Bearers.

Visitation is at Garden City Funeral Home Thursday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The funeral service will be Friday March 17th at 3pm at Missoula Alliance Church with Police Chaplin and family friend Brian Moser officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church.

A private burial will follow at a later date.