Harry was born at Fairfax, SD, the fourth son born of John and Emelia (Wolf) Odenbach on November 19, 1923. He was baptized in the Hope Congregational Church in Fairfax. He grew up with siblings Edmond, Benjamin, and Betty Mae. The ranch and farm life of the South Dakota prairie was the teaching tool his parents educated him with. He grew to love the Missouri River hills, the hard wood timber, the wildlife, and the cycle of the seasons. The lessons learned at home, were put to use as an adult as he learned to complete each job and to do it well. He often hunted the varmints of the hills such as civet cats and coyotes and always tried to make Mom happy by bringing home the rabbit, turkey (or fish) required for the next meal.
Harry's love of the outdoors caused him to detest the indoor environment of reading, writing and arithmetic. He spent as few days as possible attaining his formal education. At the completion of his 6th grade school year, he had "learnt" as much as he needed. He returned for a few days in each of the next two years, but preferred the labor required for cattle, hogs, and horse care, wood cutting, haying, and farming. He worked for area farmers and ranchers along with helping at the home place northwest of Fairfax, SD.
Harry was drafted into the United States Army on June 26, 1943. After basic training he received orders for a trip to France to help fight WW II. He tells of riding the ship crossing the ocean, and during a horrible storm, the ship's bow cracked. Those trained to weld were sent under the belly of the ship, in the water to repair the damage. He told of the crew's fears of drowning and not being able to help the war efforts. Once landed, he was a military policeman sent to Oberusal, Germany where he helped keep a double barrier of guards around the worst of the German prisoners while they awaited trial. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. Harry was an active member of the Roy Garinger Post #36.
Harry desired to learn the skills required to build roadways, ditches, and bridges. He was hired by G.H. Lindekugel Construction to operate a Caterpillar to shape highways across the state with a road building crew.
While he enjoyed the work experiences, Harry always had time to find area entertainment along with his brothers, cousins, and friends. They spent weekends driving the fastest cars (or driving their cars the fastest) from a party at the river, to a wedding dance or to their home just in time to go to work. While attending a dance at the famous Herrick, SD Dance Hall with his friends, he met the girl he would marry, Bernita Virginia Beauchamp. Bernita was a rural school teacher at District #88 north of Bonesteel. They spent many evenings dancing, going to movies and playing cards. Harry and Bernita were married at the Congregational Church in Fairfax, SD on August 10th, the hottest day of 1949. They purchased their first home – a 24' trailer to travel with the Lindekugel crew during the summer months and as their home in the winter. In 1953, they moved to the location NE of Herrick, where Bernita had grown up and Harry became a farmer. They fought hail, winds and grasshoppers for three years.
Harry opened the Bonesteel Farm Supply store in 1959 where he became an International Harvester and Farmall tractor mechanic and salesman. In 1961, he heard of an opening at the Department of Roads. He applied and with his history of equipment operations and ability to make repairs, he was hired. This began a long-term employment relationship that lasted until 1986. He was honored by the state for his talents at laying down a truckload of fresh oil and turning it into a smooth and seamless ribbon of highway, and snow removal over hundreds of miles during each winter without damaging the state roads. During this time, the young newlyweds purchased a home on the north side of Bonesteel and began a remodeling project that lasted all the days of their ownership. They became the parents of a daughter, Connie Rae in 1955 and a son, Randy Glen in 1963. Harry built a two-car garage there and was known across the county for his ability to make any lawnmower run correctly. In 1963, they purchased ranch land north of Bonesteel that adjoined Harry's parent's acres. Harry again enjoyed the river hills he had grown up in.
Harry enjoyed his retirement years at the coffee shops, shaking dice, and sharing laughs, memories and stories with his friends. He liked moving dirt with his Caterpillar and payloader, the yearly deer hunting visits with the Chicago hunters, and his occasional new pickup. He reluctantly moved to Silver Threads Assisted Living in 2018, where he resided until his death. Harry is survived by his daughter, Connie of Denton, NE, his son, Randy and wife Cheryl of Fairfax, SD, Grandchildren Mark and wife, DeAnn, Terri, Leslie, Skyler and husband, Kyle and Brandy and fiancé, Alex, Step-grandchildren Josh, Jeremy and Justin, and Great Grandchildren, Brody, Dawson, and a boy to be born to Brandy, and Step Great Grandchildren Mackenzie, Lane, Taeya, Wyatt, and Case. His sister, Betty Mae Neumiller survives him as do many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Emelia, and brothers, Edmond and Benjamin and Harold.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Hope UCC Church in Fairfax, SD. Burial will be in the Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel, SD. There will be a prayer service on Sunday at 7:00 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services.