George Otterson Jr.

George (Jack) Leonard Otterson Jr, aged 85, died peacefully on August 26, 2024. George was born on May 25, 1939, to the late George and Margaret (Feeney) Otterson in Forty Fort, PA. He was the second of four children. His father served in the Army Corps of Engineers, which resulted in frequent moves for George as a child. He lived in Panama, Prairie du Chien, WI, Washington DC, Mountain Home, AR and finally Falls Church, VA where he graduated from high school.
Upon graduation George enlisted in a special program in the Air Force where he served six months on active duty, training as an aircraft and engine mechanic, and then in the active reserves for five years. George attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering (1963) and a master's degree in business administration (1965). He met his wife, the former Marilyn Joyce Zweig, in college and they were married on June 24, 1961, in Lincoln, NE. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2017. They were blessed with three children, Michael David, John Scott and Kari Ann.
George spent most of his successful career with John Deere, where he worked his way up through the organization and ultimately became the General Manager of the Engine Works Operation in Waterloo, IA. During the last ten years of his career, he served as the Manager of Strategic Planning for the Deere Power Systems Group. George took great pride in his career and was known as a respected leader and mentor to many. He enjoyed traveling all over the world with John Deere while helping them to expand their international presence. He retired in1998 after 31 years with the company.
George and Marilyn moved several times in the early years of their marriage as his career advanced. In 1976 the family moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where they spent 24 years, and raised their children. Outside of work he enjoyed serving as a Boy Scout leader with his son's troops, playing golf and tennis, learning to sail, and cheering for Huskers football. After his retirement, they moved to Broomfield, CO in 2001.
In retirement, George continued to be a leader in his community, serving as President of the Broadlands HOA for many years and regularly volunteering at his church. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and he and Marilyn were active in the local Newcomers organization. George and Marilyn took advantage of Colorado's natural beauty, frequently taking mountain drives to find wildflowers and other treasures.
George thoroughly enjoyed life and will be greatly missed by all. He loved helping others and made friends everywhere he went. He was kind, fair, patient and generous throughout his life. Caring for his family meant everything to him, he was a great husband, brother, grandfather and son, but most of all he was the best father, always willing to listen and offer his advice and wisdom.
George was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 56 years: Marilyn; his sister, Trudy Otterson; brother, Jerry Otterson and brother-in-law, Kenneth Zweig. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ameln; sister-in-law Beverly Otterson, brother and sister-in-law David and Kathy Zweig; sister-in-law Bibi Zweig; sons Mike (Tamara) Otterson of Thornton, CO; John (Ann) Otterson of Thornton, CO and his daughter, Kari (Kirk) Allen of Arlington Heights, IL; and five grandchildren Samantha Otterson, Ethan Fransen, Noah Otterson, Katia Fransen and Sophie Fransen; and a number of other relatives and friends.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, beginning at 10:30 am at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 900 W Midway Blvd in Broomfield, CO. The Mass will be followed by a reception at the church. Inurnment of his cremated remains, next to Marilyn, will take place at 2:30 PM that afternoon in the Broomfield Commons Cemetery. Relatives and friends are encouraged to join the family to honor George's life. Rundus Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.rundus.com. The link to view the livestream is www.nool.us for those unable to attend in person.
The family would like to sincerely thank all of those who cared for George in his final months. Donations may be made in George's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org.