Joann Otterness

Joann Christine Otterness

Joann was born July 29, 1930, to Carl Edward "Ed" Sodergren and Emma Martina (Peterson) Sodergren at home on the family farm in Scandia, Minnesota. Two brothers greeted their baby sister, Lowell Edward age 7 and Glendon Robert age 3. Her brother Lowell died of scarlet fever at age 12.

Joann was born and raised on a farm with no electricity or indoor plumbing. She spoke "barnyard" Swedish until age six when she began school at Goose Lake School, a two-room country schoolhouse with grades one through eight. She graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1948. Four days later, at age 17, Joann moved to Minneapolis with one suitcase and found a place to live and a job before the end of the day. She worked almost six years at that job as a secretary for The American Four Insurance Company in downtown Minneapolis, until starting her family in 1954.

Joann married Marlin Eugene Otterness on September 27, 1952, and together they raised their four children in south Minneapolis. They were active in school and family activities and were longtime members of Bethlehem Covenant Church.

Joann enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as gardening, travel, reading, and time at "the lake" in Siren, Wisconsin.

Joann passed away March 5, 2025, at her home in Minneapolis. She was dedicated to her family and friends and will be missed by many.

Joann is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Marlin, parents Ed and Emma Sodergren, brother Lowell, brother Glendon and his wife Ann, sister-in-law Ruby Westbury and brother-in-law Dale Otterness. She is survived by children Michael Otterness (Beth), Kathryn Proskin, John Otterness (Christine), David Otterness (Susan); grandchildren Anthony Proskin (Denise), Jessica Proskin, Justin Otterness, Walter Otterness (Kaity), Laura Otterness (Joshua Hrad), Andrew Otterness; great-grandsons Jacob Proskin, Nicholas Proskin and Wesley Otterness; sister-in-law Rosie Otterness; and many relatives and friends.

Services will be held at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 3131 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, March 21, 2025, 10:30 am, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Luncheon to follow. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery