Wendell Rodney Otteson

Wendell Rodney Otteson, 97, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2025. Born in Milo, North Dakota on May 1, 1928, Wendell was the son of the late Helen Peterson and the late Johan Martin Otteson. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean Elizabeth Otteson (nee Pohle) for over 50 years. Wendell was predeceased by his four brothers – Leslie, Norman, Bernard and Harold – and his sister, Joan.

Wendell is survived by a son, John (Diana) Otteson, and three daughters, Peggy (Dennis) Randolph, Nancy (Dana) Jones and Wendy (Stephen) Otteson; his cherished grandchildren Matthew (Stacie) Randolph, Jenna (Samuel) David, Amy (Jerri Beckwith) Otteson, Zachary (Adeah) Otteson, Heidi (John) Sasso, Mitchell (Heather Augustyn) Jones, Nikki (Mason McKenzie) Jones, Cherice (Jeremy) Kamutzki, Katie (Alaina Wehmeier) Laiso and Ryan (Britany) Laiso; treasured great-grandchildren, Owen & Gavin Randolph, Chay Lynn David, Dylan Laiso, Axton Wilkins, Brody Barton, Nathan & Jess Beckwith, Malachi Otteson, Evie, Jack & Lucy Sasso, Wrenna & Olive Jones, Laine McKenzie and Levi Kamutzki; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Wendell’s early years were spent on the family farm in North Dakota where they tended to animals – pigs, chickens, horses – and wheat. The Otteson’s were a family of deep faith, and when Wendell graduated from high school, he joined his brother Leslie at Southland Bible Institute in Kentucky. From there, he attended the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Oreland, PA.

While attending seminary, Wendell met the love of his life, Jean Pohle. Their first date was a Sadie Hawkins Dance. They were married on December 21, 1952. Wendell continued his studies and was ordained in 1957. In 1958, Jean and Wendell moved to Nova Scotia, Canada as missionaries with Bible Club Movement. In 1965, Wendell and Jean were instrumental in establishing Mount Traber Bible Camp in Cooks Brook, Nova Scotia where they laboured for the next 14 years. From Nova Scotia, they travelled to Ireland, Spain and finally settled in the Pocono Mountains where they retired.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Randy Storm and the hospice team for their kindness, compassion and care for Wendell during his residence in Shamokin Dam. Special thanks are due to daughter Wendy and her partner, Stephen, for their unwavering support and care of both Wendell and Jean.

A memorial service to celebrate Wendell’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Danville, PA on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Mount Traber Bible Camp in Cooks Brook, Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.