Michael David Odland

            Michael David Odland, 71, of Missoula passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at his home.  He was born September 8, 1952 in Great Falls, MT the first of three children born to Michael and Leona Odland of White Sulphur Springs, MT.  They later moved to Helena, MT and at 7 years of age, Michael and the family moved to Ennis, MT where his father worked for Montana Power.  Michael would often say Ennis was the best place in the world for a young boy to grow up.  He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle.  He was at his best in the mountains.

            The family moved to Manhattan, MT in 1966.  He attended schools in Manhattan graduating from Manhattan High School in 1971.  While in High School he played varsity basketball.

            After high school he began working as a groundman for various power line contractors working all over the state.  In 1978 he moved to Helena Montana.  He attended Carroll College graduating in 1984.  He met and married Karin Saar in Helena and they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary.  In April 2020, they moved to Missoula so Karin could be closer to family. 

Later in life he was able to again enjoy one of his first loves, flying.  He had worked for Al Newby”s Flightline in Belgrade Montana while in High School. One of the perks of the job was learning how to fly and he discovered the thrill of flying.  In 2002 he purchased an Ultralight plane and spent many happy hours flying in and out of the small airport at the silos on Canyon Ferry Lake.

He was preceded in death by his father Michael.  He is survived by his mother, Leona of Helena, his wife Karin, sisters Julie Lethert (husband Tom) of Townsend and Lynn Cathers (husband Allen) of Surprise AZ and Julie’s children Jennifer and Robert of Bozeman.