David O Otterness

The Reverend David Otterness, age 65 of St. Peter, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at his home after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis.

David was born on October 4, 1944 in St. Paul to Olaf and Hazel (Stigen) Otterness. He was baptized and confirmed at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. David earned the level of Eagle Scout and marched in the Indian Head Council Drum and Bugle Corp while in high school. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Gustavus Adolphus College before attending Luther Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul. While attending seminary he served as a youth director for a church in Minneapolis. On December 13, 1969 David was united in marriage to Rebecca Lund at Christ Chapel on the Gustavus Campus. He was ordained by the Lutheran Church of America on June 3, 1970 and then served as pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mountain Iron, MN and First Lutheran Church in Dundee, MN. After early retirement due to his disability, he served on a disability task force for the MN Synod for a short time.

David is survived by his wife Rebecca (Becky) of St. Peter; son Peter (Jennifer) and grandson Matthew all of New Ulm.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, April 19, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter. Visitation will be from 5:00"7:00 pm on Sunday evening at First Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to: the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Gustavus Adolphus College, Luther Seminary in St. Paul, or First Lutheran Church in St. Peter.