Florence N. Otterson
Florence Norma Otterson, 94, of Blair, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Dove Healthcare facility in Lodi.
Florence was born February 4, 1931, in Welch Coulee, rural Blair, to Clarence and Clara (Christenson) Knutson. She was one of nine children and lived in the Blair area her entire life. Florence was confirmed with the 1944 class at Blair First Lutheran Church. She married Lester H. Otterson, August 12, 1950, at First Lutheran Parsonage. They spent 61 years together until his death, March 12, 2012.
Florence was smart, kind, generous and always supporting the local community. She worked at the Blair Canning Factory, Green Meadows Supper Club and Grand View Nursing Home while raising her children. She served the Blair First Lutheran W.E.L.C.A. as treasurer for several years and was a member of the Blair High School Music Mothers. Florence enjoyed playing cards, putting jigsaw puzzles together, going to casinos and traveling on many bus trips. She liked country music, especially Ray Price. Florence bowled for many years on the Olson’s LP Gas team. During that time, she participated in many tournaments at locations all around the state. She was also an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan who enjoyed watching games on TV or listening to radio broadcasts.
Florence is survived by her children: Leslie (Vicki) Otterson and Carla Otterson both of Baraboo; daughters-in-law: Karen (wife of Jeff) Otterson of Wisconsin Dells and Traci (wife of Kevin) Otterson of Sahuarita, AZ; grandchildren: Stefanie (wife of Lars) Otterson of Evansville, WI, Hans (Jovan) Otterson of Stuttgart, Germany, Rachel (wife of Thomas) Otterson of Silver Springs, MD, KariAnne Otterson of Buckeye, AZ, Joseph Otterson of Phoenix, AZ, Shannon (Cody) Fichter of Kent, WA, Kylie (Louis) Ives of Sahuarita, AZ and Bret Otterson of Sahuarita, AZ; siblings: Leo (Faith) Knutson of Beloit and Nancy (Ron) Wolf of Beloit; three sisters-in-law: Viola Frederixon of Blair, Judy Otterson of River Falls and Judy Knutson of Beloit; great-grandchildren: Annika, Annalise, Paige, Mae, Gunnar, Simone and Hennes Otterson and Brody Ives; numerous nieces, nephews; and dear friends from Blair: MaryAnn Uecker, Greta Johnson, Shirley Miller, Karen Haymann and Shelvy Nelson.
In addition to her parents and husband, Florence was preceded in death by two sons: Jeffrey and Kevin; two grandsons: Thomas and Lars; and six siblings: Violet Oest, Fern Olson, Grace Swetland, Shirley Hagen, Roger Knutson and Larry Knutson.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Blair Lutheran Church West (Zion), 126 S. Peterson Ave., with burial at Rest Haven Cemetery in Blair. Pastor Paul Sannerud will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Donations in Florence’s memory may be made to Blair Lutheran Church.
Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.
