Jennifer Ann Ottersen

Jennifer Ann (Vander Sanden) Ottersen, age 51, passed away at New Castle, CO, on February 13, 2024. She was born August 11, 1972, to David and Louise Vander Sanden, and grew up in East Bristol (Sun Prairie), Wisconsin. She was a graduate of Sun Prairie HS, UW LaCrosse and UW Madison School of Nursing.  She married Arild Ottersen in Porsgrunn, Norway on August 7, 2004. Jennifer was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Jennifer enjoyed working in the health care field in Madison WI (SSM ST Marys) and multiple locations in Colorado. She possessed an innate ability to touch the lives of everyone she encountered, leaving behind a trail of cherished memories to all that knew her. She loved to dance and to be one with nature, enjoying the rivers, lakes, oceans, and mountain trails she frequented. All who knew her will remember her infectious belly laugh that was a rare treasure — one that could light up a room and melt away sorrows. Jen was a caring down-to-earth, gentle soul who gave her kindness, love, and wonderful smile freely to all.  She is survived by her husband Arild Ottersen, her mother Louise Vander Sanden, sister, Jane (Jim) Zantow, brother Steven Vander Sanden, sister, Jeanine (Dan) Wilken, many nieces and nephews and her four-legged love Zeni.   She was preceded in death by her father David Vander Sanden, sister Julie Carpenter, and her four-legged love Rossi. 

Please join us for a celebration of her life at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 1:00 to-3:00 PM with a service immediately to follow at 3:00 PM.   

Her legacy lives on in the many hearts she touched, the friendships she forged, and the countless acts of love she bestowed upon the world. In honor of Jennifer, please perform an act of kindness or give to a cause of your choice in her name that supports others and warms your heart.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com