Family, community search for missing Wahpeton man

By: Anna Ballweber

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Family members, friends, and community members are searching in and around Valley City for a missing Wahpeton man last seen nearly a week ago at a local gas station.

A Silver Alert remains active for 73-year-old, Alfred “Al” Odden, who was last seen April 2, 2026, at a Casey’s gas station in Valley City. Authorities believe he is driving a teal 1994 Ford F-150 pickup with a red topper. The vehicle was also last spotted at the Casey’s location.

Odden’s family and other community members gathered at the gas station and have been branching out along nearby roads, ditches and driveways, hoping to find any sign of him or his truck.

“I want answers, I just don’t know how to find it,” his son, Dave Odden, said.

Dave Odden said his father had been making a trip to Fargo and may have become confused on his way home to Wahpeton.

“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,” he said.

Odden is considered a vulnerable adult and has dementia, his family said. They are urging anyone who sees him not to be afraid to approach and speak with him.

“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 said, adding a personal plea: “Dad, you got the next break in pool, man. Just come home, and we’ll shoot some pool.”

As the search continues, so do the family’s pleas for Odden’s safe return.

“This hurts a lot. I just want him to be home with me right now,” his son added.

Anyone who sees Odden or his truck is asked to contact the Wahpeton Police Department at 701-642-7777.

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