Obituary of Lee J. Elwood

Lee J. Elwood, loving husband and father of two, passed away peacefully the morning of January 14, 2021. Lee was born Lee Junior Wright to Lee and Florence Wright on October 31, 1931 in Culbertson, Nebraska. As her health was failing, Florence requested that Lee be adopted by the Elwood family, which happened in 1935. Lee moved to California with his adopted family in 1942 and attended local schools. To earn money for his family, Lee caddied at Woodbridge CC where he learned to play and love golf. In high school, Lee met the love of his life, Mary J. Oddo, and walked to school with her every day. During his senior year, tensions were building in Korea and before graduation, Lee joined the army and was sent to Korea in 1949. He was part of the 32 nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment that took part in the landing at Inchon, aiding in the recapture of Seoul, Korea. Lee was honorably discharged, returned home and married Mary J. Oddo on November 16, 1952, a marriage that lasted almost 51 years until the death of his wife. Working briefly at Super Mold, Lee then started at General Mills, where he worked for almost 41 years, retiring in 1993. Lee was a past president and member of the General Mills Quarter Century Club, and the Financial Secretary for the American Federation of Grain Millers Union #59 for 18 years. The joys of his life were his wife Mary, his children, Jim and Janice and his grandchildren, Stephen, John, and Lacee. He loved spending time with family and rooting for his grandchildren at their sporting events. An avid golfer, Lee had three hole-in-ones. Outgoing and always helpful, Lee was an active member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, serving as an usher, money counter, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus, actively participating in church fundraisers. Lee was preceded in death by his wife in 2003, his parents Lee and Lydia Elwood, brothers Lester, Blaine, and Clarence Elwood, and sister Edith Johnson. He is survived by his son Jim (Beth), daughter Janice Kyles (Scott), grandchildren Stephen (Miki), John, and Lacee Kyles and great-granddaughters, Lola and Winter Kyles. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 10:30am – 1:00pm at Lodi Funeral Home. Rosary and Committal will follow at 1:30pm at Cherokee Memorial. As per COVID-19 guidelines, masks must be worn for the Visitation and graveside services; Visitation limited to 10 at a time. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the loving and caring staff of Brookdale Kettleman Lane and Vitas Healthcare. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to the charity of your choice.