Orlin Otterson

MADISON - Orlin John Otterson, age 95, passed away on Fri. May 12, 2017 at the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison. He was born Apr. 14, 1922 in Taylor, son of the late John and Inga (Halvorson) Otterson. Orlin is a graduate of Blair High School. He married Betty Jane Jost on June 21, 1947. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII. Orlin served in the 3rd Division, 30th Infantry and was in combat in Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy. He experienced a 250% replacement of soldiers during his time in the war. Olin was fortunate to narrowly escape death on several occasions. He was honored with The Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 bronze service stars with arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII for his efforts in the war.
Orlin worked for the Federal Government for 35 years as an Agricultural Engineer working with the Soil Conservation Service.
He enjoyed spending time outside. He not only spent much of his professional life outside, he loved to camp with his family. He taught his two sons how to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed square dancing, pitching horseshoes, and was a semi-pro baseball pitcher in the 1940's following his discharge from the Army. Orlin had an exceptional ability to build and fix things. Although his creations were sometimes awkward looking, they always worked. All of Orlin's creations were affectionately referred to as "an Orlin".
Orlin is survived by his sons David (Molly Rice) Otterson and Tom (Patty) Otterson; 3 granddaughters Brynna, Samantha and Bailey Otterson; brother-in-law Bob Talford, he is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Betty Jane Otterson in 2004, his siblings Joe, Burnett (Irene), Inez (Rolf) Rude, Verna Talford, and Norman (Marie), and also Alfred Everson.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday May 17, 2017 at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave. Madison with Rev. John Swanson presiding. A visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday May 16, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. Madison, and also from 10:00 AM until the service on Wednesday at the church.
Because Badger Honor Flight affected Orlin so deeply, memorials may be directed to Badger Honor Flight, P.O. Box 258066, Madison, WI 53725, in support of other veterans.

Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434