3 daughters: Carrie Lee, Glenda Viker and Bonnie LaRue. Dale born in Decorah attended school in Afton, Freeport and Decorah. He married Evelyn Gold 14 Aug 1958 in Tampa, FL. They have 3 children: Donna Oniel, Edward and Jerry. Mavis born in Decorah attended school in Freeport. She married Darrel Mitchell in Waukon, IA and has 3 children from a previous marriage: Myron, Virginia Gilbertson and Randy Cronin.

Orrie was a gifted musician although he couldn’t read music. He had mastered the banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, piano and accordian. In the 1920's he had a country band and played for many dances. It was at one of these dances that he met Helen. He had many interesting jobs: was drafted and assigned to the Navy shipyards in Beloit, Wl in the 1940's where he worked for 2 years, helped build housing for Luther College students, had a job on flood control in Decorah, helped rebuild Twin Bridges after it burned and worked for Interstate Power Co. until he retired.

Helen and Orrie Otteson

My dad, Orrie Otteson.

As a young girl Helen enjoyed horseback riding. She told a story about a horse owned by Fred Biermann. He would leave the horse at the Mechanic Street Bridge to graze until Helen got out of school and then she would ride it home to her grandfather’s barn. She loved to make rag rugs and sew. When her children were growing up she made most of their clothes. Helen died 21 Jan 1976. After she passed away Orrie had several strokes and moved into a retirement home in Lansing, IA so he could be near the Mississippi River. He loved fishing and taught his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren how to fish. It was interesting to hear him tell stories about his childhood in Pleasant Twp. and his travels as a young man. He enjoyed talking to almost everyone he met on the streets of Decorah—all were his friends. He was a member of the Fox and Coon Club.

Orrie died 26 May 1991. Helen and Orrie are buried in the Freeport Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Freeport, IA.

Otteson, Otto and Anna (Spilde)

(Carrie (Houck) Lee)

Otto Erik Otteson was born 29 Apr 1865 in Norway, the son of Erik and Ingebor (Kjarland) Otteson. His parents came to America when Otto was a small boy and settled in Pleasant Twp., Winneshiek Co. IA. Otto had 3 brothers and 2 sisters: Albert, John, Thomas, Anna and Agatha.

Otto Erik Otteson and Anna

Otto married Anna Spilde in 1900. Anna was born 18 Oct 1875, the daughter of John P and Guro Spilde. John was born 28 Jan 1849 in Hardanger, Norway to Paul and Anna Spilde. John came to America when he was about