Marian Odabasi

Marian J. Odabasi, 87, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Marian was born on September 12, 1937, in rural Howard County, Nebraska to Paul and Myrtle Maticka. She graduated from St. Paul High School in 1954 and received a Bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1958. Marian was a professional educator, starting her career at District 50, a one-room schoolhouse in rural Howard County. She later taught at elementary schools in Lincoln, Nebraska; Rochester, Minnesota; and Boulder, Colorado. It was in Boulder that Marian met the love of her life, her husband of 45 years, Halis, whom she married in 1965. Their son, Turan, was born in 1969. Marian and her family moved to Istanbul, Turkey in 1973 before returning to St. Paul in 1974. She taught first grade at St. Libory School, District 118, from 1976 until her retirement in 2004. In 2021, Marian moved to Lincoln to be closer to her son and his family.

Marian was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church for more than 70 years, where she taught Sunday School and served several terms as President of the Church’s United Women in Faith group. She was a long-time member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators. She served on the Board of the Howard County Historical Society and was also a Teammates mentor. Marian was a talented crafter and quilter and was active in local quilting organizations. She was also an avid reader, a devoted gardener, and a wonderful cook.

Marian’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she rarely missed an opportunity to remind them of how deeply they were loved. She gave generously of herself in every endeavor and always found a way to offer support and connection during the quiet, meaningful moments in life. Her love and support were a constant in the lives of her family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son and daughter-in-law, Turan and Cynthia Odabasi of Lincoln; granddaughters, Cassandra Dietrich (Karl) and Rachel Odabasi; great-granddaughter, Wren Dietrich; sister, Eilene TeKolste of Lincoln; and sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and James Harding of Cedar Falls, Iowa; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in St. Paul, followed by a luncheon at the church. Rev. Nicole Schwartz-Eck and Rev. Tom Hyde will be officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held in the Elmwood Cemetery after the luncheon.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway.com.

Memorials suggested to Nebraska Public Media (https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/support/) or Parkinson’s Foundation, Heartland Chapter (https://www.parkinson.org/heartland).