Joel Niles Ottun, 73, of Big Horn, MT passed away April 14, 2017 at Big Horn County Memorial Hospital in Hardin, MT.
Joel was born October 15, 1943 in Billings, MT to Juell and Jessie MacLeod Ottun. He grew up in Hardin and attended the school of hard knocks where he passed with flying colors. In 1971, Joel married Jessie Hope to which they had four children; Jonna, JoAnn, Julie and Justin. During his life he worked as a cowboy, cat skinner, a derrick hand, and a trucker. There wasn’t anything Joel could not do, and what he did he did well. When Joel was young he enjoyed bull riding, and team roping with wife Jessie and father in law Rich. In his spare time he also enjoyed traveling, shooting, reading, woodworking, welding and playing crib. Joel enjoyed visiting with his close friends.
Joel ranched alongside his wife Jessie for 45 years, and drove over 3 million miles in his red Pete hauling cattle, hogs, and commodities. His travels took him from Gator Alley in Florida to Washington state, California to West Virginia, and all points inbetween with wife Jessie traveling with him when possible.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Janter. He is survived by his wife Jessie, children, Jonna, JoAnn (Casey) and their son Rich, Julie (Chase) and their children Jess and Cheyenne, and Justin (Dinae) and children Jessa and Addison, a sister Jacque, and brother Jon.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Ottun family cemetery.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Lloyd & Colette (Pedder) Butcher says
Jessie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. Cherish all your wonderful memories as they will help in the days to come. You are in our thoughts. Take care!!
Alex Wetsch Family says
Jessie & family, so very sorry to hear about Joel.Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincerest condolences for an incredibly great loss.
Andrita Harris says
Ottun Family
Sorry for your loss; deepest condolences and prayers to you and the family.
Lee, Dorothy, Andrita
Billy, Dylan and Tegan Harris
Muddy Creek, Montana
Laurie Hickethier says
JoAnn –
Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Hickethier
Bob and Anna Wilson says
Jessie and Family,
Sorry to hear about Joel’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Anna Wilson
Arn and Connie Huseby says
Sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Joel.
With love and prayers.
Mike & Paula Childers says
JoAnn and family, we send our heartfelt condolences. Losing someone you love is so very difficult. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Tempe Lemon says
Our condolences to Jessie, Tiny, Jacque, and their families on Joel’s passing.
Jim and Tempe Lemon
Rex R says
RIP, Joel. The Raffelson Clan sends condolences to the Ottuns. Many fine memories with you all.
Flint Fleming says
Jessie and family, my thought and prayers are with all of you as you celebrate a great life, sincerely, Flint Fleming
Karen Kinney says
Jessie and family,so sorry to hear of your loss. Remember him as my bull riding cousin. You are in our prayers.
Ray Unterseher says
We are saddened to hear of your loss.
Hilaree Emmons says
Ottuns — you are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God comfort and bless you all
Hilaree
Charlotte Clark says
Jessie, I am so so sorry! Please call me. I love you.