Gary Otnes

Gary L. Otnes died unexpectedly at home on May 22, 2018, in Fergus Falls, MN at the age of 80.

He is survived by his wife Marion; his son Mark, wife Debera, of Fargo, ND; daughter Dawn Kenyon, of Minneapolis, MN; granddaughter Natasha Grant, husband Nick, of Detroit Lakes, MN; Sisters-in-law Arline Paulson, husband George, of Dover, DE and Joyce Olson, of Harrington, DE. He also leaves several nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his Father Oscar “Al” Otnes and Mother Bernice; two sisters Joan Stang of Missoula, MT and Allyn Otnes from San Rafael, CA, and two brothers Burdett “Sparky” of Fergus Falls, MN, and Merrill “Oats” wife, Micky, of Fergus Falls, MN.

He married Marion Olson, an artist in 1958. He graduated from Fergus Falls High school in 1955, and then attended State Cloud State University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Meteorology. Gary served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958. He was stationed on Midway Island, flying patrols from there to the Philippines and Japan. He worked for the Minnesota Department of Health for 33 years.

Gary was an avid birder and he and Marion spent numerous hours birding. He was also an avid hunter and a fisherman. Gary was a pilot with the Coast Guard and with the Civil Air Patrol. Gary and Marion ran an animal rehab center for over 20 years. He was an active member of the Catholic Church in Fergus Falls.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2018, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church with a reception to follow at the church. Father Alan Wielinski and Father William Gamber and Deacon Chuck will be officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary's life. The family would like to thank all the neighbors who came to help and hospital staff for their loving care and dedication.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2018 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski, Deacon Chuck Kampa and Father Bill Gamber
Interment: St. Otto’s Cemetery, Fergus Falls

Assistance provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com