Dilbert Otteson

DILBERT OTTESON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dilbert Allred Otteson, 90, of Idaho Falls, died May 28, 2007, at Turtle & Crane Assisted Living Center of causes incident to age. “Dib,” as he was known, was born January 27, 1917, in Lehi, Utah, where his parents, Nephi and Orinda Allred Otteson, were visiting because of the death of her father. After the funeral, the family returned to their Ozone homestead, a community which Dib's father had founded and named because of the clean air. They were real pioneers – building roads, a school, organizing an LDS Branch, and holding the first Sunday School in their home. The Otteson home also included a store and post office, with Dib's mother serving as postmistress. At an early age he learned to do every farm chore, from milking cows to driving teams of horses. When Dib was nine years old, the family moved to Conrad, Montana, near the Canadian border. Dib recalled that the family rented two box cars to bring all the animals, farm machinery, and furniture to Montana. Dib played football at Conrad High School on a field covered with dirt and gravel, and played trombone in the marching band as well. After graduation he left Montana, with $10 in his pocket, paid $8.50 for a bus ticket to Idaho Falls, and took a job hauling wheat for his sister's husband, Clark Judy. Dib soon landed a better job with the Idaho Potato Growers Co-Op, driving truck to St. Louis, then became a foreman at the Idaho Falls facility, helping to build their potato dehydration plant. Later, he helped build and was superintendent of the frozen French fry plant, and finally was manager of all operations in Aberdeen, Idaho Falls, and surrounding areas. He was admired as an outstanding businessman who worked with integrity, humor, and kindness. On June 19, 1940, he married Bernece Moore in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Their first home was a three-room house plus six lots on East 21st Street in Idaho Falls, which they bought for just $1,650. In 1948 they moved to 236 Lava Street, just across the alley from his parents, to care for them in their old age. In 1963, Dib and Bernece moved into a new home at 930 Maplewood Drive. When Dib retired, he had more time for his love of the great outdoors. He liked nothing better than taking his fifth-wheel and pickup to follow small creeks and rivers from their source to their end, and catch fish all along the way. He loved Idaho winters, too, especially snowmobiling with his friends. Dib and Bernece also looked forward to spending a week every summer for over thirty years at Redfish Lake, camping with all their children and grandchildren. He was a great hunter, camper, and fisherman, and a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Dib was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully as High Priest Group Leader, temple worker, and home teacher. He could always find time to help anyone in need, and was never happier than in giving service, whether to friend, family, or stranger. Dib is survived by his widow of nearly sixty-seven years, Bernece, his son Dennis (Connie) Otteson, daughters, Lanae (Terry) Jensen, both of Idaho Falls; Karen (Bryce) Jeppsen of Meridian, Idaho; Sherri (David) Bird of Corvallis, Oregon; a sister, Joy (Roland) Romrell of Idaho Falls; 18 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. -------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Barbara Briggs Hardy barbarh@iictr.com I would like to express my sympathy, in behalf of the Clea (Elmer) Briggs family to you and your family at the passing of Dib. He was a wonderful person, and I know how much Dad and Mom enjoyed working with Him. They also enjoyed his company when they went Salmon Fishing. Also, Dennis my sympathy goes out to you on the loss of your Dad. May our Heavenly bless and Comfort all of you at this time in your loss of your Husband and Father. Sincerely, Barbara Hardy Stacey O'Connell Davis sdavis0102@msn.com Sherri, I was so sad to see your dad passed away. It has been so many years since we were all just kids in the old neighborhood, but your dad puttering around out in the yard has always been a constant. My mom is quite lost in Alzheimer's, but she always remembered your dad, and that he was there and would help her if she needed it. I can't tell you how many times over the years she has said "I'll ask Dib." (I don't know if she really talked to him that much but it was such a comfort to her.) I'm thinking of you and your mom during this sad time, and would love to talk to you again.