Odean Finn Christopherson, 85, of Hot Springs, SD passed away December 5, 2008 at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Odean was born August 16, 1923 on his parents' farm near Naples, SD. He was the youngest of seven children born to Andrew and Marie (Rudd) Christopherson, Norwegian immigrants. He graduated from High School in Clark, SD in 1942. He then enlisted in 1944 with the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific ending up on Okinawa, Japan and was there when the war ended. Odean was honorably discharged in 1946 when he returned home to farm with his father.

Odean entered government service in 1952 with a Civil Service job at the Black Hills Army Depot in Igloo, SD. Later he was transferred to Pueblo Army Depot in Pueblo, CO as a stock control clerk. Odean was also a musician who played the accordion, piano and organ. He played with various groups throughout his life. He married M. Lorraine Foster in 1971.

Odean is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Hot Springs; three children, Jerry (Pam) Christopherson of Edgemont, SD; Vernie (Ann) Christopherson of Hot Springs; Debbie Gluyas of Hot Springs; three stepchildren, Edna McKnight of Rapid City, SD; Esther (Garry) Clements of Conway, AR; James (Veronica) McKnight of Chula Vista, CA; one brother, Alf Christopherson of Watertown, SD; two sisters, Clara Kroutil of Stillwater, OK; Hazel Ness of Clark, SD; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the United Church with Pastor Morris Nelson officiating. Interment will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.