Selmer D. Otteson

Selmer “Sam” Dennis Otteson, 72, of Minto, ND, died on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 in Grand Forks, ND. Selmer was born on September 28, 1940 in Clifford, ND, the son of Oscar and Helen (Haugen) Otteson. He attended Edendale Township #2 and finished his schooling in Clifford. Sam entered the US Army in 1964 and served until 1969. After he was honorably discharged, he returned to the Portland, ND area. On June 22, 1968 he married Cecelia Berquist at Watford City. They lived in Warwick, ND and Portland, ND before settling in Minto. Sam worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 33 years, retiring in 2003. Sam enjoyed taking trips with his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing many different card games, fishing and cooking. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Joanne Otteson (Jon Linner) of Oakwood, ND, Priscilla Otteson of Grafton, ND and Jodi (Daniel) Concha of Fargo, ND; 8 grandchildren; sister, Janice (Perry) Knudsvig of Clifford, ND; sisters-in-law, Mary Otteson of Sheridan, WY, Darlene (Lee) Stevens of Watford City, ND, Linda Berquist of Watford City; brother-in-law, Roy (Marlyn) Berquist of Watford City; and several nieces and nephews. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Cecelia on February 15, 2013; parents; and 2 brothers, Douglas and Carl Otteson; and brother-in-law, Ray Berquist. Visitation: Will be one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Perry Lutheran Church, rural Portland, ND. Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Perry Lutheran Church, rural Portland, ND. Burial: Perry Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Portland, ND.