Emery Otnes

Emery Carlton Otnes, 80, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the McAllen Heart Hospital in McAllen, Texas.  He was born October 11, 1928, in Bismarck, North Dakota, the son of Enok and Emma (Aasness) Otnes. He lived near Hazen, North Dakota, attending school there. At the age of seven he moved with his family to Fergus Falls, Minnesota and attended school at Dane Prairie District #43. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1946. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan with the Occupation Forces. In March of 1948 he was discharged and returned to Fergus Falls. Upon his return he ran heavy equipment for Dieseth Construction Company, and then worked at Ebersviller Implement as a parts man. He also worked for Otter Tail County as a Deputy Sheriff. In 1957 he joined the U.S. Post Office, working there as a rural mail carrier until his retirement in 1986. In addition, he owned and operated his auction business. On July 19, 1953, he married Judy Hauptli at the Lawrence Presbyterian Church near Wendell. After retirement they spent their winters in the McAllen, Texas area where he continued with his auctioneering business. Emery enjoyed reading, fishing and spending time at his Wall Lake home. Preceding him in death were his parents. Survivors include his wife, Judy, of Fergus Falls; two children: Steve (Gail) Otnes of Minot, ND, and Sue (Eric) Wilken of Fergus Falls; three grandchildren: Tiffany (Craig) Peterson, Karsten (Joni) Finseth, and Krystal (Nathaneal) Van Ee; three great-grandchildren: Heidi and Trygg Peterson, and Aubrey Grace Finseth; and a sister, Grace Hawkins of Anoka, MN. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the church Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Jim Johnson Interment:   Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com