Nickie Odenthal, 73

Nickie Odenthal passed away July 2, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born Nov. 11, 1950, in Whitefish, Mont., to Alvin and Peggy Odenthal and grew up in Coeur d’Alene with her two brothers and two sisters. Nickie graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1969 and later attended dress design school in Portland, Ore., refining her innate talents for sewing and crafting. Following her education, she worked diligently as a bookkeeper for the family business, Coeur d’Alene Auto Parts, finally retiring in 2013.

In her youth, Nickie engaged in her passions by traveling to Europe for six weeks, accompanied by her childhood friend. She loved the outdoors and continued to travel all over the United States and Canada throughout her life, often visiting State and National Parks whenever she could. On these adventures, she enjoyed camping, hiking, kayaking, biking and, beyond all else, seeing wildlife along the way. Her travels also included much-needed excursions to taste a variety of microbrews from over 200 breweries. Having a uniquely loving and kind nature, Nickie always had great friends to travel with, but her sister, Sybil, was the closest, always at her side.

Nickie was an avid tennis and softball player, first learning to play through Coeur d’Alene Parks and Rec. She played in the Kootenai County Tennis Tournament for years and won several titles. Additionally, she played competitively on the Coeur d’Alene Auto Parts Softball Team for many years. Her team won numerous state and regional titles and traveled to nationals twice.

An animal lover in the truest form, Nickie adopted many pets throughout her life (including a few wild ones). In her younger years, she spotted a critter on the shore of Fernan Lake. Focused only on the new friendship ahead, she grabbed it by the tail. The muskrat, not being an ideal pet, returned the favor by biting her; off to the doctor Nickie went for stitches and shots! Her love of animals included volunteering for Second Chance Pet Rescue for over 20 years, which continued until her passing. This volunteering included the fostering of over 100 dogs and aiding countless other dogs and cats in finding their forever homes. Helping animals was Nickie’s true passion in life!

Nickie enjoyed spending time at the family property on Coeur d’Alene Lake, including countless hours pulling her nieces and nephews on skis or tubes behind the boat. Being naturally artistic, she created wonderful hand-sewn or crafted holiday creations and gifts for friends and family. Her talents also extended to baking, showcasing her incredible skills to further spoil loved ones, often making specialty cookies, cupcakes, birthday cakes, mud pie (her favorite!) and a variety of other fancy desserts for what seemed like every gathering or birthday. Nickie’s kind and gentle nature will be remembered by those who knew her. Her impact on this world was a gift of unrelenting love to all.

Nickie was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Peggy Odenthal, and sister Loretta Waide. She is survived by brothers Keith Odenthal (Aurelina) and Brian Odenthal (Janice), and sister Sybil McCormack. Nieces and nephews Eric Waide (Tonya), David Odenthal (Keica), Joel Odenthal, Kristin and Chad Odenthal (Leslie) and Casey McCormack (Julia). Great-nieces and nephews: Chantal Young (Claude), Brittani Waide, Alex Odenthal (Beca), Quinton and Cariera Odenthal, Brook, Luke and Beck Odenthal.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Companions Animal Center, 10275 N. Atlas Road, Hayden, Idaho, or Second Chance Pet Rescue, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.