John Lee Otterson, age 66 of Monticello, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 5, 2019.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Harriet Otterson. His memory will live forever in the hearts of his surviving friends and family including his wife, Judy; children, Erik (Mary); Kristin (Kevin) Zalec, and Jill (Kyle) Anderson; grandchild, Luka Zalec; and his cousin “brother”, David (Carolyn) Wood.

John was raised in Cloquet, a proud Swede forever loving lutefisk, lefse, herring, and Ole and Lena jokes. After college at UMD where he met Judy, John spent his career at Pinewood Elementary in Monticello as a beloved teacher and coach for over 30 years. He loved coffee with his boys, cribbage tournaments, regular trips to the VFW, his beautiful cabin on Big Sandy Lake, and time with his family. John cherished people. Everyone loved Otter. He will be greatly missed by so many.  

Visitation on Wednesday, June 12 from 5-7PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 531 West Broadway Street, Monticello. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 13 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at the church. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Monticello VFW. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Monticello Educational and Scholarship Foundation, Make a Wish Foundation, or Lupus Research Alliance.    

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