Wanda Kaye Odykirk was born on March 26, 1939, in Leamington, Ontario, Canada, to Leslie Rock and Lois Leibrock-Rock. She married the love of her life, William (Bill) Odykirk, on August 15, 1959, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Together, Wanda and Bill shared nearly 66 years of love, laughter, and family. The joy of raising three sons enriched their journey: William Craig (b. July 10, 1960) Timothy Scott (b. January 3, 1963) Daniel Rock (b. August 4, 1964) From this foundation, their family blossomed, welcoming three daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Craig Odykirk & Kim Garcia-Odykirk Willem Cousteau Odykirk Tim & Beth (Milkowski) Odykirk Timothy Ryan (Alyssa Miller-Odykirk) Katherine Elizabeth (Sean Robison) Emily Kaye Daniel & Lora (Simpson) Odykirk William Connor (Kayla Kreiner-Odykirk) – Children: Vera, Violet, Valerie, Vivian Colton Rock (Annette DiMartino-Odykirk) Daniel Keith (Holly Martin-Odykirk) Camdyn Danielle (Alex Murray) After immigrating to the United States at the age of twelve, Wanda graduated from Grant Public High School in 1957 and began her studies at Central Michigan University that fall. Her connection to CMU was lifelong and deeply personal. She was a proud CMU Chippewa’supporting her husband Bill as a CMU football coach, cheering on her sons (Dan on the football team, Tim in the band, Craig on the cheer team), and later her grandchildren (Connor and Colton in football, Kate in cheer, and many benefiting from a CMU education). Between 1966 and 2025, Wanda attended over 300 CMU home football games, always rallying with a ‘Fire Up Chips!’ Her devotion extended beyond athletics’she was a passionate supporter of CMU’s College of Education, a regular at university theater productions, and a loyal listener of WCMU’s NPR and PBS. After taking a hiatus to start her family, Wanda earned her education degree from CMU in 1972. Wanda taught in the Mount Pleasant Public School system for over 20 years, working at Rosebush and Mary McGuire Schools. She was a visionary educator who believed in meeting each student where they were and helping them grow. Her early retirement was a brave choice to focus on her fight with cancer. At her retirement, she was recognized for her service and honored by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe for her dedication to their community and children. Wanda Kaye was a woman of strength, grace, and fierce love for her family. Her heart would soar traveling the world, being creative, soaking in nature, inspiring learning in others, spending time with family, and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren take on life. Her presence was a steady peace, a vivacious smile, and a gentle touch. She will be remembered always as the Rock of her family – strong, compassionate, and full of grace. ‘If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.’ ‘Winnie the Pooh (Wanda had a special place for E.E. Milne’s Pooh stories.) A private family interment will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to join in honoring Wanda’s life at her Celebration of Life on Friday, August 15th, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Clark Family Funeral Chapel. ?You may view Wanda’s obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com
Author: gqlshare
https://www.themorningsun.com/obituaries/wanda-kaye-odykirk-mount-pleasant-mi/
