Jean Otteson, age 99, of Monroe passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Aster Assisted Living.  She was born on August 23, 1923 the daughter of James and Anna (Birkey) Watkins in Akron, OH.  She graduated from Akron East High School and then attended the Akron University.  Jean was a Linconette with the USO in Lincoln, NE where she met her future husband, Donovan Otteson; they were married on July 3, 1947 in Lincoln, NE.  

Jean worked at A & P in Monroe as a cashier, Swiss Colony, and she was a founding member of GreenCo Industries.  She was also a teacher’s assistant for several years at Northside Elementary.  Jean and Donovan were active members of the Universalist Unitarian Church while it was established in Monroe.

Jean and her husband were very involved with the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post #84. She was known as the voice of the annual poppy sales on WEKZ. She also enjoyed volunteering for the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, the VA Hospital in Madison, and the American Legion Camp near Minocqua. She also gave her time to the Green County ADRC assisting with Meals on Wheels.  She was a strong activist for the rights of handicapped individuals in the local schools. Jean enjoyed walking her dogs, tending to her flower gardens, taking road trips with friends, shopping, playing bridge, and was an avid reader.  

Jean is survived by her children, Jeff (Carol) Otteson of Tucson, AZ, Eric (Cynthia) Otteson of Lake Wisconsin, and Dirk (Colleen) Otteson of Poynette; grandchildren, Leif (Jessica) Otteson, Tor Otteson, and Gabriel Otteson; and great-grandchildren, Oscar and Alice.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donovan; son, James; and brother, James (Ann) Watkins.

A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the American Legion in Monroe, lunch with be served.

Jean’s family would like to thank the staff of Aster Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice Care for their exceptional care and help.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.