Donald (Ody) Joseph Overman of Rochester, MN passed away at the age of 74 on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Don was born on March 6, 1950, in Le Mars, IA to Harold (Bud) Overman and Rosemary Hermes Overman.

Don married Joanie Grosenheider on August 11, 1972, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. Together, they had two daughters: Stacey Overman Pick and Katy Overman Schramm.

Don attended Gehlen Catholic Schools until his senior year and graduated in 1968 from Le Mars Community High School. Throughout high school he kept busy working at various part time jobs and cruising in his 1951 Ford. After graduating, Don volunteered for the US Navy serving from 1968-1970. He was assigned to the cruise ship USS Coral Sea CVA 43, serving during the 1968-1969 South China Sea - Vietnam Combat Cruise. While on the USS Coral Sea, he was unknowingly exposed to Agent Orange, causing him health issues later in life. This exposure classified him as a Blue Water Vet.

After being honorably discharged from the service in 1970, Don was employed by the Le Mars Tire Hospital, Pews Inc, the City of Le Mars Wastewater Treatment Plant, and held various positions at Wells Blue Bunny, the latest being sales. When the milk plant was sold, Don was employed in sales at Dean Foods, retiring in 2012. After retirement, Don worked part-time at Willow Creek Golf Course and IML Containers.

Don loved life and embraced every day with a smile. Whether you knew him as Don, Donnie, or Ody, he was always a kind, caring, fun, and loyal person to all. Because of his career and being raised in Le Mars, Don had many friends in the community and surrounding areas. He never went to a place where he didn't encounter a friend.

Some of his favorite things included his morning walks, enjoying an adult beverage with family and friends, hanging out at "The Lucky Lady" and golfing. His happiness was at its highest when spending time with the people he loved, with his grandkids at the top of the list.

Don's legacy will live on through his wife Joanie of nearly 54 years; daughter Stacey (Reed) Pick and their family, Lainey and Jack of Mendota Heights MN; daughter Katy (Garrett) Schramm and their family, Keely, Sally, and Van of Rochester MN; brother Larry Overman and special friend Julie Hulstein of Le Mars; brother Mike (Kathy) Overman and their family Quinn and Sean (special friend Sydney) of Minneapolis MN; brother-in-law Dave (Ann) Grosenheider of Kansas City MO; nieces: Sarah (Tom) Webb and Tyler, Laura (Andrew) Nelson and their daughters Adley and Noelle, Amy (Grant) Fergerson and Riley; and many life-long friends.

Meeting Don in heaven are his parents; parents-in-laws Lloyd and Margaret (Maggie) Grosenheider; and extended family.

In true Ody fashion, we will celebrate his love for life with a party! Please join us from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Willow Creek Golf Course. The Wasmer American Legion will provide Military Honors at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at the golf course.

In lieu of flowers, please direct all memorials to your favorite Hospice, the American Parkinson Disease Association (Minnesota Chapter - PO Box 4425, St. Paul, MN, 55104) or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047). If memorials are sent to the family, please indicate which association you prefer and it will be forwarded in memory of Don.