John Otteson

Garrison

John Ole Otteson, 68, Garrison, ND passed away on November 12, 2025, at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garrison. The family will be greeting family and friends one hour prior to the service.

John Ole Otteson was born on May 9, 1957, to Olaf and Agnes Otteson, John was the youngest of four siblings.

John grew up on the family farm south of Ryder. On June 18, 1977, John married the love of his life Lisa Fetzer, and together they had three wonderful kids. Linda (Matt) Erickson of Garrison, Johnny R Otteson of Minot, Kevin (Kayla- the favorite daughter in law- oops only daughter in law:) ) Otteson of Garrison. John loved his kids.

John loved farming. He was the only man Lisa knew with more farm equipment then a farmer. John started out being a well driller when him and Lisa were married. John’s true passion was welding. He caught the bug for welding from Lisa’s uncle LeRoy.

John could weld anything and fix anything even if it took him awhile, but he would figure out how to get it done. John worked for several different commercial plumbing firms. With the last job being Mowbray & Son Inc. John really enjoyed working for Travis & Bill Mowbray. John retired in February of 2023.

Some of John’s family favorite things to do was he loved camping with his kids & family. He loved waking up in the mornings in the camper, making a pot of coffee and enjoying the morning breeze off the lake as he sat outside the camper. He also loved taking those “Camper Naps”. He loved doing random welding jobs with his son Kevin. Woodworking was another favorite of Johns. After he retired, he enjoyed going on drives with Lisa to see the Iglehart’s farm.

John is survived by the love of his life Lisa of 49 years; children, Linda (Matt) Erickson, Johnny R Otteson, fur baby: Phantom, Kevin (Kayla) Otteson Fur babies: Sadie Rae, Beau Duke and Binks; brother, Robert (Darla- favorite sister in law) Otteson; nieces and nephews, Tara, Kory, Ausytn (Jordan), Ben, Kristy Jaden, Missy, Shelly and Angie; and great nieces and nephews.. Along with the many other kids that he mentored.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Agnes Otteson; siblings, Baby Boy Otteson, Jeanette, Roger; grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Otteson, Grandma and Grandpa Gustafson; In-laws, Alvin and Cecil Fetzer, Mike Fetzer, Kathy Erickson; Fur babies LadyBird, Oreo & Callie Cat; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in John’s name to the Garrison Ambulance.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison, ND.

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 19, 2025.