Mert Oden

Mert Oden, age 84 of Wahoo, died May 26, 2022 in Wahoo, NE. He was born October 25, 1937 at Exline, IA to Wendell and Lorene (Shaunessy) Oden. He grew up on a farm near Exline and graduated from Centerville High School where he played football. Mert then earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Parsons College in Fairfield, IA. While at Parsons he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and played on the Parsons Wildcats football team. Upon completion of his undergraduate education, Mert worked at Parsons Admissions Office as a student recruiter. He then moved to Chicago for one year where he owned and operated a restaurant and tavern in that city’s Old Town Neighborhood. After that, Mert returned to continue work at Parsons College. In 1964, at the age of 27, Mert surveyed and assessed the land that soon became the home of John F. Kennedy College in Wahoo. He was one of the Founders of the college which was opened to students in 1965. For the next three years, Mert was employed at John F. Kennedy College and worked tirelessly, to build the programs and enrollment at the college. After leaving the college he then began pursuing the construction industry. In 1973, Mert started his own business in Wahoo that ultimately became known as Oden Enterprises. He had a creative mind that allowed him to devise innovative products. Over the course of several decades, the company grew as Mert developed and adapted his business to new products and solutions. Although Mert was the creative mind behind the company’s success, his wife, Sally, provided administrative support. Mert was proud to say that the success of Oden Enterprises was due largely to the team effort provided by he and Sally. Mert’s outgoing personality helped him to raise the majority of the funds needed to convert the old Wahoo High School into the space now known as the Wahoo Civic Center. He was also a member of the Wahoo Airport Authority and Ducks Unlimited. ​Mert and Sally Beckenhauer were married on June 14, 1975 at Wahoo First Presbyterian Church. They remained active members of that church throughout their marriage. They enjoyed traveling to out of state Nebraska Husker games. He looked forward to his fishing trips to Canada and Alaska with his friends and family. Mert’s other favorite past times were golfing, hunting, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. His daily routine included coffee with his friends at the Corner Market, and playing cards at Hilltop Country Club. Mert is survived by his wife Sally of Wahoo; children Beth Oden of Denver, CO, and Stuart (Mary) Oden of Wahoo; grandchildren Nick Oden and Morgan Oden of Wahoo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Eugene Oden; and sister Judy Oden. Funeral services will be at 10 am Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be at 4-6 pm Monday at the Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. A private family interment will be held. In memory of Mert’s love for his pets all Memorial donations will go to Lost Pets and the development of the Wahoo Dog Park.