Norma Otterson
September 14, 1925 ~ July 24, 2018
Norma L. Otterson, 92, Fargo, ND, formerly of Kindred, ND, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Elim Nursing Home in Fargo.
Norma was born September 14, 1925, to Rasmus and Marie Tverdahl. She attended Abercrombie School, graduating Valedictorian of the Class of 1943. She obtained her Teacher's Certificate from Mayville Teachers College. While attending college, she was known as the "Mayville Slugger" as she enjoyed playing softball. She went on to teach at various country schools for a period of 11 years.
She married Arnold Otterson on September 21, 1946. They spent their early married years in Hickson, ND, for approximately five years, prior to moving to Kindred. In 1975 Norma went back into the workforce, taking a position at St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo. She worked there as Transport Services Manager for 18 years, retiring in 1993.
Norma was a member of Kindred Lutheran Church and was active on a variety of Sunday School and Church committees. She was a staunch Republican, serving as the 1972 chairman of the Eastern North Dakota Republican Women. Her family remembers a house full of posters, pins, hats, and pamphlets representing her fervor for the Republican Party.
Her hobbies included reading, quilting, gardening, canning, baking, riding bike, and various outdoor games as she loved competing with her children and grandchildren. She had a very competitive spirit! Her favorite times of the year were Christmas and the annual week-long family stay at the lake.
She is survived by her five children: Julie Otterson, Fargo, ND; Doug (Linda K.) Otterson, Kindred, ND; Ray Otterson, Kindred, ND; Linda (Craig) Fiedler, Moorhead, MN; Diane (Don) Erickson, Pelican Rapids, MN. Grandchildren: Dana (Marce') Otterson, West Fargo, ND; Kayla Otterson, Portland, OR; Lauren Otterson, Minneapolis, MN; Jacey Otterson, Fargo, ND; Sydney Otterson, Fargo, ND; Tess Erickson, Minneapolis, MN; and Lance Erickson, Bloomington, MN. Sister, Thelma Burington, Flagstaff, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Arnold Otterson; parents; brother, Palmer Tverdahl; sisters, Pauline Myers, Ruth Gylland, Grace Fagervik; brother-in-laws, I.J. (Clark) Myers, Oscar Gylland, Jacob Fagervik, Rex Burrington, Walter Otterson and sister-in-law, Lila Mae Otterson; nephews, Jerome Gylland, Glenn and Howard Myers.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 2 PM Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo
VISITATION: one hour prior to the service in the funeral home
BURIAL: Perhus Cemetery near Kindred, ND
Don, Diane and family,
My prayers for ‘peace and serenity’ to each of you. I never met Norma, however, I feel like I know her wonderful spirit through the many experiences that Diane and I have shared regarding a mothers influence on our lives. I know her love, passion and determination has left a legacy for each of you to carry on. Be grateful for the influence she has had on your life.
Blessing to you all!
My deepest sympathies to the Otterson Family!!! What a gem of a lady! I loved our visits. Special hugs to Julie!
Dear Diane and Family,
What a Wonderful Life your mom had! I know you will miss her terribly. Peace and love to you all as you go through this difficult time—and may your hearts continue to be full of good memories of your precious mother.
Otterson family:
Grace and peace from our Lord to you all. We all remember with fondness the
special years we enjoyed with your entire family. You were kids then, and with Skippy
at your side, we often found all of you coming to be with our three, for a morning or day
together. Your Mom was a special friend to Linda, and remained so all these years. We
grieve with you, but we give thanks for her and your Dad, and the fun we had as families,
and in the family of God. “Comfort, comfort, ye my people, says your God!”
Linda, Lloyd, MaryEllen, Mark and Carol Wallace
To the Otterson family.
I know your mom is loving heaven. I remember so much about getting together as a family or just going over to play. Your mom made the best flatbread ever!!! Parents are hard to let go of, but your mom and dad did such a wonderful job raising all of you so you could be the best you could be, at whatever you did. They certainly succeeded. I wish you peace and serenity during this time. Love, Carol