By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2022 Newsletter edition.
Editor’s note:
We received a very nice donation a week ago, out-of-the-blue, from Jolene Pyka, in memorium for her recently deceased life partner, Jason Odebrecht. When I reached out to thank her, I learned a little more about Jason. And that his friends and family had collected these funds to honor the joy he found in duck hunting. Jolene, a duck hunter herself, said she knew about WWA from her time “down in the western lakes area” (Waukesha County and west) and she wanted to make this gift to us because it would mean more to us than it might to a larger national organization. Needless to say, we are pretty touched by the whole story, and wanted to share a little of it with our readers – Jason’s love of duck hunting and fishing and outdoor activities of all sorts will resonate with most of you.
Jason “Odie” Odebrecht
Jason Odebrecht (1975-2022)
Jason (AKA: Odie, Jay, or JJ to his friends and family) had a heart as big as any. His sleeveless gruff exterior never fooled any of those that had the privilege of calling Jason their friend. He would not bat an eye to drive over an hour to loan someone a special tool, help with a project, or just hang out and have a can of Busch Lite or Makers and Coke.
To call Jason a duck hunter was an understatement. Jason worked so that he’d be able to duck hunt! The more challenging the location was to get to, the more rewarding it was to him. Jason cherished his duck hunting excursions with his duck camp friends and Jolene. The hunting was only a part of the experience. It was the stories and parking lot gatherings that will live on in the hearts of those that were able to make those memories with him.
Jason was just a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed his trap league, sporting clays, hiking, and camping trips, especially his annual Eagle River outing. Jason also enjoyed fishing. If it’s not duck season, it must be fishing season! He would fish from his completely decked out kayak, new boat, from shore, or on the ice with any of his newest and greatest gear.
It’s meaningful that guests at his memorial service were encouraged to NOT dress formally. Rather they were asked to dress in camo, sleeveless shirts, or one of Jason’s favorite sport team’s attire. Jolene says that she feels “Odie” will be looking down on her next season in the marsh, and just maybe send a band her way (check out the picture of Jason holding a banded mallard). Good luck Jolene!
Jolene & Jason