Marlene "Marty" Joanne Otterson

Marlene “Marty” Otterson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 84. Her life was defined by unwavering faith, quiet generosity, a humble servant’s heart, and enduring love for her family.

She was born on January 24, 1942, in her parents' home in Clarks Grove, Bath Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota, to Ivan Wesley Paulson and Mabel Christine (Nelson) Paulson.

On February 15, 1958, she married the love of her life, Rolf Edward Otterson. Together they shared more than 55 years of marriage, raising a family they deeply loved, welcoming friends and relatives to Makeløs II, their northern Minnesota cabin, and making several memorable trips to Norway. Their home was one where family gathered, laughter was abundant, and visitors were always welcome.

Raising five children was one of her greatest joys. Her family continued to grow to include eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She lovingly handmade quilts for each of her grandchildren, creating treasured keepsakes that will continue to remind them of her love.

Music was one of Marlene’s many gifts. She learned to play accordion at a young age and also played keyboard. Through music, she brought joy and comfort to worship services, entertained senior living communities and played at many family and special events.

She earned her GED at age 55 and continued pursuing knowledge for the rest of her life. She taught herself Norwegian so she could communicate with family she met on her trips. She earned professional certifications as a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), and at age 73 completed a certification in Christian Ministry through Liberty University.

Throughout her life, she quietly looked for ways to serve behind the scenes. She established libraries at several churches and workplaces, helped create the "This and That Shop" serving families in need, crafted thousands of crosses for babies being baptized and knitted prayer shawls for those facing chemotherapy. Even in her 70s, she volunteered to host an exchange student from Japan, embracing the opportunity to share her home and learn about another culture.

Marlene had a love and curiosity of family history and ancestry. She spent countless hours researching names, conducting interviews, writing stories, and preserving details that might otherwise have been lost. She wrote and published three family history books, an accomplishment of which she was especially proud and for which she became well known within the family.

She was happiest building things that would outlast her, families, churches, libraries, traditions, faith, friendships, family histories, and memories. More than anything, she will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, servant's heart, and the numerous quiet acts of kindness that often went unnoticed by everyone except those whose lives she touched. She taught by example that serving others was one of life's greatest privileges.

Marlene is survived by her five children: daughter Barb, son Michael, daughters Mary (Scott), Deb (Jimm), and Carol (Bob); eleven grandchildren, Jeremy (Kelly), Joanne (Brett), Sara (Jonas), Christina (Steve), Crystal, Matthew (Julie), Mitchell (Gabby), Michele, Bo, Justin (Abbie), and Ashleigh (Jack) as well as ten great grandchildren, Kayla, Grace, Dayne, Kennedy, Ryder, Tanner, Madyson, Remington, Élana, and Sylfreya. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rolf Otterson, parents, Ivan and Mabel Paulson, brothers Alan and James Paulson, infant son Carl and her son-in-law Todd Eittreim. 

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 21st with Funeral Service immediately following at 11:00 AM at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125. Interment at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, MN. 

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