Ronald "Ron" Emil Otterson

Ronald "Ron" Emil Otterson, 78, passed away peacefully October 8, 2026, with family present. Minneapolis was home for the greater part of his life. He spent the last year enjoying life at NorBella Senior Living in Centerville, Minnesota. This special community brought him great comfort, companionship, and joy throughout his time there.

Growing up in Minneapolis, he graduated from Roosevelt High School. Later, he worked at the VA Hospital for many years as a groundskeeper and a driver, connecting with veterans through their life stories. In his later semi-retired career, he lived and worked part-time at Colony Apartments in Minneapolis where his co-workers became lifelong friends.

Ron was a long-time member of the Minneapolis Fort Snelling Lions Club, where he poured his heart into serving the community and became a familiar, welcoming face at their pancake breakfast fundraisers. He found great joy in golfing, fishing, taking memorable trips up north with his family and loved family gatherings. In earlier years, he could often be found hitting the lanes at the local bowling alley. He was a natural fixer spending countless hours tinkering in his garage. Later in life, Ron channeled his thoughtful nature into creating personalized scrapbooks for his family, carefully clipping and saving newspaper articles that matched relative's unique interests.

He was a thoughtful storyteller and had a remarkable memory for family and local history. Remembered for his kindness, he found joy in giving back to others. Whether sharing his Norbella bingo winnings with residents, saving aluminum cans to surprise his great-nephew with the scrap-metal proceeds, or playing the lottery with the hope of gifting a win to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, he always looked for ways to brighten someone's day.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Marie Otterson; and his brother, Arthur Otterson. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Dale Kieselhorst; and has a large, loving extended family of nieces and nephews.

Ron will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held Monday October 26, 2026, at Bradshaw. 4600 Greenhaven Dr., White Bear Lake, 10:00 a.m. visitation, 11:00 a.m. service and lunch following the service.

To honor Ron's longtime passion for supporting children with medical needs, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers. Please visit stjude.org/givehope to make an online gift.