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Family, Community Search for Missing Wahpeton Man
Vulnerable adult with dementia last seen nearly a week ago on trip to Fargo
Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:20pm
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The search for a missing vulnerable adult with dementia exposes the fragility of independent living and the need for stronger community support systems.Fargo TodayFamily members, friends, and community members are searching in and around Valley City, North Dakota for a missing 72-year-old Wahpeton man named Dave Odden, who was last seen nearly a week ago while making a trip to Fargo. Odden is considered a vulnerable adult with dementia, and his family believes he may have become confused on his way home and ended up in Valley City instead of Wahpeton.
Why it matters
The disappearance of a vulnerable adult with dementia is a serious concern, as they may be unable to find their way home or communicate their location effectively. The community-wide search effort highlights the importance of looking out for at-risk individuals and the need for support systems to help those with cognitive impairments.
The details
According to Dave Odden's son, his father had been making a trip to Fargo and may have become confused on his way home to Wahpeton, thinking he was going to Wahpeton but ending up in Valley City instead. Odden is considered a vulnerable adult and has dementia, his family said. They are urging anyone who sees him to approach and speak with him, as he is described as the 'friendliest guy in the world' who will talk to people for hours.
- Dave Odden was last seen nearly a week ago, on April 1, 2026.
The players
Dave Odden
A 72-year-old man from Wahpeton, North Dakota who has been missing for nearly a week. He is considered a vulnerable adult with dementia.
Dave Odden (son)
The son of the missing man, Dave Odden, who is pleading for his father's safe return.
What they’re saying
“'The only thing I can think of is that he must have gotten lost coming back, thinking he was going to Wahpeton and ended up going to Valley City instead.'”
— Dave Odden, Son of missing man
“'This guy is the friendliest guy in the world. He will talk to you for two hours, then you can report that you found him.'”
— Dave Odden, Son of missing man
“'Dad, you got the next break in pool, man. Just come home, and we'll shoot some pool.'”
— Dave Odden, Son of missing man
“'This hurts a lot. I just want him to be home with me right now.'”
— Dave Odden, Son of missing man
What’s next
Anyone who sees Odden or his truck is asked to contact the Wahpeton Police Department at 701-642-7777.
The takeaway
The search for the missing vulnerable adult with dementia highlights the importance of community support and vigilance in looking out for at-risk individuals who may become disoriented or lost. It also underscores the need for robust support systems and resources to assist those with cognitive impairments and their families.
