Ailie H. Otterson

Ailie Helen (Maijala) Otterson, age 94, of Cloquet, Minnesota passed away at her home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. She was born on February 27, 1931, and her death is the final chapter of the Henry and Hilma (Kallio) Maijala family of 13 children. Ailie was raised on the family farm in Tamarack, Minnesota and graduated as valedictorian of McGregor High School Class of 1948. She was united in marriage to Roland Otterson on June 19, 1954, and the couple were members of Zion Lutheran Church for the entirety of their married lives and remained active in numerous church activities. She had an abiding faith in God. In addition to her role as a mother, Ailie also worked outside the home with a strong work ethic.

Ailie had the Finnish Sisu inner strength and determination in everything she did in life. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Ailie is survived by her son, Kevin (John); daughter, Karla (Ray) Tatro and grandchildren, Robert (fiancé, Amanda Vuicich) and Maija (Bobby) Purdy; daughter-in-law, Edi (David) Powell and their daughter, Ellie; extended family; and long-time friend, Sandy Raisanen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; oldest son, Kurt; parents; sister, Henni; and brothers, Edward, Carl, Ernest, George, Arthur, Eino, Walter, Arnold, Reino, Lauri, and Toivo.

A celebration of her life will be held on her 95th birthday, Friday, February 27, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until the 12:00 p.m. service. A luncheon will follow. Spring interment will be at Salo Cemetery in Tamarack, Minnesota. Nelson Funeral Care has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Meals on Wheels – AEOA, or please consider honoring Ailie by volunteering at Meals on Wheels in Cloquet.