Jerome Otterness

Otterness, Jerome B. 87 of Hopkins. Jerome passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011. Born in Sunburg, MN, on November 17, 1923 to Henry Otterness and Josephine Evenson Otterness. He spoke Norwegian until entering the first grade in Brooten, MN., where he graduated in 1942. Jerome, with the nickname "Sparky", was described as "one of the best halfbacks in the state" by his coach, while being a member of the 1941 All State High School Football team. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served proudly and bravely as a medic during W.W. II with the 9th Infantry Division in Normandy. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star during that campaign. While recovering from his injuries at the V.A. Hospital in Indiana in 1945, he met and married Alice Louise Wieneke of Seymour, Indiana. She passed away on June 11, 2006, from Parkinson's disease. In 1948, Jerome graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he played football and was his Freshman Class President. As an American history and social studies teacher, his teaching and athletic coaching career began in Belgrade, MN, and ended with his retirement in Stewartville, MN. He was a devoted and loving father to Nancy (Larry Smith) of Edina and David (Lyn Rohe) of Prior Lake. All grandchildren, including Abigail Smith, and Joshua, Shauna and Ashlee Otterness, as well as 3 great-granddaughters, were cherished. He is survived by all of his siblings, Eleanor Johnson, Harriet Jacobson, Linda Kittelson and Allen Otterness. Jerome was an avid reader and follower of current events, politics and sports (especially the Twins). But, what will be most remembered and valued was his sense of humor, friendly personality, generosity and kindness. His final years were lived happily at St. Therese in Hopkins, where he made many friends of the staff and other residents. Services will be held at the Fort Snelling Chapel at 12:00 on February 4th, with visitation one hour beforehand. Interment will be with military honors in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery immediately following the service. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Jerome Otterness

January 30, 2011

Tributes

Jerome Otterness

January 30, 2011

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