Aaron Lyle Odegard, 26, Bothell, WA, formerly of Minot, died suddenly in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, in the Seattle, WA area.

Aaron was born September 14, 1984, in Minot to Michael and Deborah (Ostrom) Odegard. He was raised in Minot and attended Minot Public Schools, graduating with high honors from Minot High School in 2003.

As a child, Aaron loved picking on his younger sister, hunting and fishing with his mom, dad, step-dad, uncles and ESPECIALLY his Great Grandpa Bones Ballantyne. He loved to travel, going on many summer trips and winter skiing vacations. He always wanted to climb higher, hit the ball harder, and reach the many goals he had set for himself. He had a wonderful thirst for knowledge, whether watching his favorite show "Jeopardy" starting at age 5, or keeping tabs on his idol Wolf Blitzer during the Gulf War in 1991.

Aaron was a quick study in whatever he attempted. Whether it was carpentry and drywall, auto mechanics, or computer repair, Aaron would effortlessly find a way to make things "work". He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks fan, and was working on his lifelong dream of visiting every baseball stadium in the U.S. He also loved keeping tabs on all of the stats of his favorite baseball, football, and hockey teams and players.

Aaron had a heart of gold and was always willing to help out where needed. He grew into a wonderful man, the kind and caring son any parent would love to have. His positive attitude and perseverance were an inspiration to all who knew him - especially his younger brother, Zac. He loved to tease his younger cousins, and they all flocked to him, knowing they were in for fun and giggles.

He married Amy Chichester on June 26, 2010, and the couple made their home in Bothell, WA until his death. In Bothell, Aaron was attending Bellevue College where he studied mechanical engineering. He was planning to transfer to the University of Washington to continue his education in Aeronautical Engineering and Physics. In addition to going to school full time, Aaron worked at both Conifer Foods and Boston's Pizza.

He is survived by, his wife, Amy, of Bothell, WA; his father, Michael D. Odegard, his mother and step-father, Deborah and Richard Spaulding; sister, Andrea (Christopher) Ray, and little brother, Zachary Spaulding, all of Minot; grandparents, Russell and Pat (Wass) Odegard, Sandra (Ballantyne) Ostrom and step-grandmothers, Betty L. Spaulding, Minot and Cindy Ostrom of Boise, Idaho; father and mother-in-law, Dana and Dixie Chichester of Newport, WA, aunts, Diana (John) Staskywicz, Burlington; Patti (Dave) Fedje, Minot, Mary Eriksmoen, Bismarck; Kris (Scott) Swanson, Boise, ID; uncles, Richard (Diane) Odegard, Grand Forks, Robert (Shannon) Ostrom, Minot; David (Rachael) Ostrom, Roseville, MN; cousins Barry (Shelly) Staskywicz, Palmer, Alaska; Bill (Joleen) Staskywicz, Burlington; Mark (Sara) Staskywicz, Williston; Paul (Sandy) Staskywicz, Des Moines, IA; Lara Simon, Albuquerque, NM; Brian (Jean) Fedje, Indianapolis; Becky (Chad) Callier, Fargo; Matt (Tera) Odegard, Kayla and Darrin Odegard, Grand Forks; Amy (Jason) Bohannan, Nashville; Jason (Wendy) Eriksmoen, Lincoln, ND; Jodi (Mike) Weigel, Lincoln; Mesa and Jack Swanson, Boise, ID; Darah and Tyler Ostrom, Roseville, MN; Meera, Addysn, and Blays Ostrom, Minot.

He was preceded in death by several grandparents, an uncle, and several cousins.

Funeral Service : Thursday, June 23, 2011, at 2 p.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.
Burial : Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.