Harold N. Omdahl's Obituary
Our Dad was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of a widow, who had immigrated to this country from Norway. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and fought honorable for our nation until the end of his tour. It was at this time that our Dad moved from Chicago to Tacoma, in order to reunite with his mother.
It was in Tacoma that he was to meet the love of his life, our mother. At that time however, she was a divorcee with three children to care for. But once again, being true to his nature, he unselfishly accepted the responsibility of the three of us who didn’t even belong to him. It was the love he had for our mother coupled with his willingness to sacrifice his life a single man that on August 3, 1952, Harold and Elaine were married and he became a vital part of our family.
In October of 1954, he and Elaine were blessed with the birth of their only child, a daughter named Carol. Between the two of them, they were able to raise all four children to adulthood. He was often asked for advice from each of us, and again, because of his unselfish nature, he was always willing to lend a hand or give the best advice that he had available to him. He had continued the role of patriarch of the family until his health began to deteriorate a couple of years ago. However, he remained a staunch supporter of the Mariners, Seahawks, and the Huskies and was never at a loss for time to watch and cheer for his beloved teams.
Dad endured the trials and tribulations of this this life for ninety-one years, and lived every day with compassion and dignity. But on the twenty-seventh day of September, 2017, his magnificent journey came to an end. He went peacefully into the arms of Jesus, welcoming the release of the tethers that had held him to this world for so long. He leaves behind his step children that he so unselfishly raised, Chuck Benboe, of The Dalles, Oregon, Diane Radonich, of Red Bluff, California, Dave Benboe, of Lakewood, Washington and of course, his daughter, Carol Staab, of Puyallup Washington. He has also left behind 10 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and one great, great granddaughter. Although the departure from this earth has left us saddened and with a sense of great loss, we weep, not for our departed Father, but for ourselves. The loss that we are experiencing is one that each one of us will have to contend with on our own terms. We can only give thanks that we were given the blessing of having had such a remarkable father as part of our lives for so long.
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?
