Donald E. Otteson

Donald Otteson, 78 of Brooten, died unexpectedly Monday, September 4, 2023 at his home in Brooten.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2023 at Crow River Lutheran Church near Belgrade.  Visitation will be from 5-7 Thursday at the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade and for one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Donald Ellsworth Otteson was born on July 20, 1945 in Willmar, the son of Paul and Ethel (Anderson) Otteson. He grew up on the family farm in Colfax Township. He attended Belgrade Elementary and High School, graduating in 1963. On October 4,1965 he entered the US Navy where he served his country until his honorable discharge on October 3, 1968.  In 1970, Donnie was united in marriage to Corinne Veltikold. This union was blessed with two sons and two daughters. They made their home in rural Brooten where he farmed.  They later divorced. On September 2, 1995, Donnie was united in marriage to Gail Dengerud. They made their home in Brooten where he worked construction from 1985 until his retirement from Central Specialties in Alexandria in 2007. Donnie and Gail shared in 27 years of marriage before her death on July 29, 2023. 

Donnie was a lifelong member of Crow River Lutheran Church where he ushered and helped mow the cemetery. He was also member of the Brooten American Legion and President of the Sunburg Trolls Car Club. He enjoyed restoring Corvettes, vegetable gardening, having coffee and rolling dice at the Ka-De Shack, and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid fan of the Twins, Vikings and NASCAR. In retirement, he and Gail enjoyed traveling to Arizona, Texas, Mexico and Missouri.

Donnie died unexpectedly on Monday, September 4, 2023 at his home in Brooten at the age of 78. He is survived by his children, Layne (Danyel) Otteson, Rhonda Otteson, Chad Otteson and Kari Otteson; step-children, Daryl (Barb) Skindelien and Charles (Sheila) Skindelien; step-son-in-law, Pete Hopfer; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Shirley Olson and Kenneth (Caroline) Otteson, brother-in-law Clifford (Sally) Dengerud, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donnie was preceded in death by his wife, Gail; step-daughter, Vicki; parents; brother, Arvid and brother-in-law, Bruce Olson

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