Rudolf E. "Rudy" Ottersen, 77, Stevens Point, a retired Stevens Point businessman and real estate agent, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Theda Clark Memorial Hospital in Neenah after a brief illness.
The family will celebrate and remember his life in private commemorations.
Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.wichmannfargo.com.
Mr. Ottersen was born Aug. 13, 1930, in West Salem, a son of the late Rudolf and Ruth Ottersen. He resided most of his early life in Fargo, N.D., graduating from Fargo High School. During that time he earned Boy Scout's Eagle Scout rank and the Pro Deo et Patri Award.
He graduated from Princeton University where he was a member of the Tigertones a cappela singing group. He received a degree in history.
He was married to Barbara Campbell on July 18, 1952.
The couple resided in Alameda, Calif., while he completed his service as an officer in the United States Coast Guard.
He moved to Stevens Point to become general manager of the Campbell Department Store. He became an active member of the local business community. During his career in retail, agriculture and real estate development he held numerous positions of leadership in the Stevens Point community.
He served as director of the Stevens Point Chamber of Commerce, Stevens Point Country Club and drive chairman of the local United Way. He also served as president of the Stevens Point Board of Realtors and MLS.
His memberships included the Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club.
Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Gail (Donald) Hoff and Ann (Mark) Smith, both of Appleton, Karen (Michael) Roman, Seoul, South Korea, and Susan Kay Ottersen, Portland, Ore.; one son, Duncan Jay (Kim), Palmdale, Calif.; two sisters, Mary Ruth Amack, Seattle, Wash., and Margaret (James) Householder, Minneapolis, Minn.; and 11 grandchildren.