Ronald George Ottesen

Ronald George Ottesen

Ronald George Ottesen, passed away peacefully holding hands with his wife on November 19, 2012. He was born May 14, 1921, in Salem, Utah to Andrew H.C. and Lovina Done Ottesen. He was the 4th of eight children. He learned hard work on the family farm. While attending Utah State College, Pearl Harbor was bombed. He decided he wanted to be a pilot like his brother, Sharrel who encourage him to try, even though the odds were against him. He became a Navy pilot, a skill he used and loved for over 41 years in the Navy, Naval Reserve and Army National Guard. He flew many different aircraft from small planes to jets to helicopters.

Near the end of WWII he went to a USO dance where he met the love of his life, Ethel Itala DeStefani. When she asked if he liked dancing, he said, "not particularly, but I like to hold the girls while they do." They married January 6, 1946 and were sealed in the Manti Temple September 12, 1949. They raised three children. For over 30 years he taught grades 5-8 in Stockton and Marin County, CA and at San Quentin Prison part time. Upon retirement they moved to Cameron Park, CA, and finally Layton, UT.

He enjoyed shopping at 2nd hand stores, photographing friends and family, and stashing chocolate and sweets all around his house. He served in many LDS Church callings, but his favorite was the 11 years he served as an usher on Temple Square.

Survived by his wife, children, Ronee (Merrill) Scott, David (Holly), and Cory (Maureen), 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and sisters, Andrea Richardson, LaReece (Victor) DeStefani and Mary Brockbank.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eldon, Ivan, Sharrel and Jarl.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the La Donna Mesa Chapel, 2375 E. 3225 No., Layton. Friends may visit family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Salem, Utah Cemetery.

Thank you to the Ogden Regional Medical Center for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LDS Perpetual Education Fund.