Donald Allen Ottesen, age 87 of Miles City, passed away on December 23, 2015 at the V.A. Community Living Center in Miles City.
Donald was born on October 17, 1928 in Sheridan, WY; the son of Norman & Lura (Comstock) Ottesen. He grew up in the Sheridan area until he moved to Seward, Alaska where he spent a year. He moved back to Sonnette, MT in 1942. When he was fourteen years old he went to work for his Uncle Ed Ottesen as a ranch hand. A couple years later he went to work for D.L. Perry at the “Bug Ranch” on Otter Creek. He joined the United States Army in in August of 1951. He served his country proudly earning a Korean service medal, two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal and a combat infantry badge. After being honorably discharged from the military he purchased a ranch by his folks in January of 1953 at Sonnette. In April of 1962 he married Lucille Major. To this marriage they had a daughter named Susan in 1967. He ranched until 2004 when he sold his cattle and retired. Donald was also a brand inspector for 40 years and had NOAA Weather Station for 40 years. In retirement, Donald really enjoyed wood working. He made a wide variety of wooden plates and bowls. In October of 2012 he moved to the V.A. Community Living Center due to health reasons. Donald was a kindred spirit and will be missed by all.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Lura, a sister and a niece. He is survived by his wife Lucille of 53 years; his daughter Susan and his niece Cindy (Casey) Phalen. He is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery will full military honors provided by VFW Post # 1579. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Keith and Barb Phalen Hoover says
Lucille, Susan, and Cindy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Keith and Barb
Becky (Newcomer) Elliott says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Don was a good man.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon says
Lucille, Susan & Lois,
Sending our sympathy.
Norman and Vonnie
Bill Smith says
Lucille and Susan, thinking of you. Sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you.
Bill and Carol
Carlene Root says
Lucille and Susan, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry for your loss. Carlene Root
Pam Nisley says
My prayers for comfort for all of you~ I fondly recall your family from when I worked at the bank in Broadus ~ you are truly salt of the earth folks, and I am saddened with your loss, especially at this time of year….(((hugs)))
Pat Hanlan says
Lucille and Susan my prayers are with you during this time; remember that he love you both very much.
Jessica Isaacs Sloan says
Lucille and Susan, Saddened to hear of your loss, sending prayers and strength. So many fond memories of Don as us Isaacs kids grew up. Brandings, Sonnette Post Office, Trick or Treating (sorry if we ever put rocks on the seat of your pickup :), his walk, smile, his soft spoken voice. Hugs to both of you!