Judith Otnes

Judith Ann Marie Otnes, 79, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.

She was born November 9, 1933, on a farm near Redwood Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Arlene (Stewig) Hauptli. She attended school at District 101 of Redwood County, before moving to the Wendell area in 1942. Judy graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1951, and then attended the Gale Institute of Minneapolis. She began working for Honeywell, until returning to Wendell and working for the Victor Lundeen Office in Fergus Falls. She was employed at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center from 1957 – 1960, and then the ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) office from 1961 – 1974. She completed her employment with the PCA office, retiring in 1986.

On July 19, 1953 she married Emery Otnes at the Lawrence Presbyterian Church, rural Wendell. The couple moved to Fergus Falls where they raised their family. After retirement they wintered in the McAllen, Texas area for many years, where she worked at an RV park.

She was an active member of Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls where she taught Sunday School and served as the Sunday School Superintendent. Judy and Emery opened their home and hosted the organizational meetings for Calvary Free Lutheran Church before it was officially organized. She was also a member of TOPS.

Judy enjoyed many hobbies, cooking, hand work, and especially times spent with her family at her home on Wall Lake. She opened her home to friends and family and made them feel comfortable and welcome.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Emery, in 2009; an infant brother, and a brother Roger who died in 1983; a great-granddaughter, Elyse Hope Finseth, on July 14, 2013; and brothers-in-law: Grant Hawkins and Clayton Nye.

Survivors include her children: Steve (Gail) Otnes of Minot ND, and Sue (Eric) Wilken of Fergus Falls; her grandchildren: Tiffany (Craig) Peterson, Karsten (Joni) Finseth, Krystal (Nathaneal) Van Ee, and Laura (Joel) Weber; her great-grandchildren, Heidi and Trygg Peterson, Aubrey Grace and Isaac Finseth, Micah and Kaatje Van Ee, and Elijah Weber; a sister, Beverly Nye of Blaine MN; sisters-in-law: Grace Hawkins and Carole Hayden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Jim Johnson
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.