Jean Mardell Otteson

Jean M. Otteson, age 77, of Cottage Grove passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at her home, holding the hand of her husband of 58 years. She was born to Lennie and Elenore (Starks) Dahl and was raised on the farm on which she would raise her own family of seven. She graduated from Stoughton High School and attended Columbus Normal School. Jean was married to Otto C. Otteson on Aug. 12, 1950. Together they raised seven children and worked the family dairy and tobacco farm in Cottage Grove. She also worked at Rowe Pottery in Cambridge for two years. Jean was a member of the St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church in Deerfield and was a longtime member of the Esther/Charity Circle. She was instrumental in forming the Red Hat Society in Deerfield and she was an avid Packers and Brett Farve fan. Jean had many talents over the years: baking and cooking traditional Norwegian foods as well as pies, turkey dressing, and amazing birthday cakes. Harvesting tobacco was always easier knowing that Jean would have a wonderful meal, including dessert, waiting back at the house at dinner time. Jean made many of her children's clothes including prom dresses and Halloween costumes. She loved relaxing in her gazebo with it's garden and fish pond and view out over the fields. She also enjoyed playing cards and attending Studio 3-D dance recitals. Jean's greatest enjoyment was being wife, mother and grandmother to her family. She was a true teacher and example of unconditional love and selflessness. Survivors include husband Otto Otteson, Cottage Grove, seven children: Mike (Karen) Otteson of Watertown, MA; Jeff (Jeannie) Otteson of Waterloo; Kristi (Jeff) Von Holzen of Washburn; Cindy (Tim) Pendorf of Madison; Otto Kurt (Lori) Otteson of Cottage Grove; Debbie (Bob) Griggas of Marshall; Denise (Simon) Huelsbeck of Rochester, MN. Thirteen grandchildren: Ben, Dustin, Jordon, Elizabeth, Ariel, RaeJean, Eric, Calvin, Megan, Harry, Lillian, Otto and Oren; one great-granddaughter, Kylie; brother, Delbert (Re) Dahl of Hayward. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Otto Forest Otteson. A very special thank you to HospiceCare Inc., for their heartfelt assistance and exceptional support and care. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to: HospiceCare Inc. or St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church, Deerfield. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, May 29, 2009 at St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church, 3494 Oak Park Rd., Deerfield. A visitation will be held at church, Thursday, May 28, 2009 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Friday one hour prior to service. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon at the educational center immediately following services.