Teresa Otteson

Teresa Otteson, age 89, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Health System Care Center surrounded by family on Monday, March 4, 2019. A Memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 6th at 11:00 at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, with Pastor Carl Larson officiating. The visitation will be 9:30 to 11:00 prior to the service at Faith Lutheran Church.

Teresa Margaret Otteson was born on May 12, 1929 in Park Rapids, MN to John and Mary (Kaluza) Kruse. Teresa worked at Wimpys Café in Park Rapids at an early age where she met Lloyd. Their relationship had many great memories and stories that they shared with family and friends. They spent many weekends dancing at their favorite place, Chateau Paulette’s in Dorset, where they would clear the dance floor with people watching them. Teresa married Lloyd on February 18, 1949 in Nevis, MN and moved to Staples shortly after where they started their family while living with grandpa and grandma Otteson. We all have wonderful memories and stories of growing up on the farm with mom and dad. Teresa started working at Ringer in Staples until the company closed, she then became the “most wanted” daycare provider, where she would have a houseful of kids that all called her and Lloyd, grandpa and grandma. She was a great loving and caring mentor to all. Teresa was fun loving, free spirited and loved to have a good time. Sunday drives and going to the lake in the summer were her favorite things. She would start packing a month before we would leave. It would be time spent with family, which meant the world to her. She always had a very warm and beautiful smile for everyone and a hug that she was famous for, and she would not let you go while doing so. Teresa made great friends while living at the Pines and missed them dearly when she was moved into the nursing home.

Teresa is survived by her children, Rick (Deb) Otteson, Craig (Sandy) Otteson, Judy (Tom) Hall, Pam Otteson, Jim (Mary Jo) Otteson; daughter-in-law, Toni Otteson; son-in-law, John Riewer; 16 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; brothers, Al Wheeler and bob Kruse. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; sons, Steve, Gary, and Brian; grandson, Charlie Otteson; great grandson, Brandon Buckentine; daughter-in-law, Kim Riewer; and two brothers, Jerry and Donald Kruse. We would like to thank the Lakewood Health System Staff for all the loving care they gave her during her stay at the Pines, hospital and Care Center. Services have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.