Roger Eldon Otterstein
July 30, 1940 - August 31, 2017
Obituary
LODI-Roger E. Otterstein passed from this life on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society Care Facility in Lodi, Wis. Born on July 30, 1940 in Waverly, Iowa, Roger was the beloved son and only child of Eldon and Effie (Johnson) Otterstein. Roger graduated from Fayette High School in 1958 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September of 1959. He served as a weather observer and truly enjoyed the opportunity to travel in Europe while stationed at Weathersfield RAF, Essex, England for 2 ½ years. He returned home to Fayette, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University in 1967. He married Judy Butterfield and they moved to Denver, Colo., where he worked for Sears and their daughter, Julie, was born. Roger longed for the rolling green farmland of the Midwest and returned to the Madison area, where he worked for Sears at East Towne, Fish Building Supply, and Olds Garden Center. He studied computer programming at MATC from 1980-82 and was employed as a programmer until his retirement from the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections in 2008. Roger moved to rural Lodi in 1979 and married Tamara Kilps in November 1999. Roger loved Hungarian Vizsla hunting dogs and he enjoyed BMW motorcycles. He was a member of Winnequah Gun Club and participated in shooting sports of all kinds, but was particularly fond of black powder and Single Action Cowboy Shooting matches. Roger lived for “show and tell” and there was usually something interesting in the trunk of his black Crown Victoria for the guys at work or at the range to view and chat over. Often he had a treasure gleaned from St. Vinnie’s for them to ogle. Roger is survived by his wife, Tammie; daughter, Julie (Terry) Puryear of Hiwasse, Ark.; and many close friends including Bill, Norm, and Kim; and cousins, Martin, Larry, Jeff and James. A Memorial Service in Roger’s honor will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Roger struggled with Parkinson Disease for many years, but it never changed his outlook on life or affected his determination. Please consider sending a gift to the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association in remembrance of our boy. He will be missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.Gunderson LodiFuneral & Cremation Care157 S. Main Street(608)592-3201
Events
Memorial Service
Wed Sep 6, 2017 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Lodi • 157 South Main Street, P.O. Box 17, Lodi, WI 53555
Photos
No photos of Roger have been shared yet.
Memories
RS
Recob's Target Shop
Other •
Roger always had a smile, a new "toy" and a great laugh. We will miss him coming into our store to say hello and do "show & tell". Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.
CD
Cyndi Dearth
Other •
Roger was always smiling - he never said a harsh word to anyone while working at Department of Corrections. He has been missed when he retired from DOC. Please accept my deepest condolences.
RE
Rich Ewald
Other •
I knew Roger as EZ Munny, from the Good Guys Posse, Cowboy Action Shooting community. He was always a joy to posse with and a formidable competitor. My condolences to his family and friends that he leaves behind.
Happy Trails, Pard.
Wrangler Rich
Rochelle, Illinois
TH
Tom Heiser
Other •
I am very sorry to hear about Roger's passing. I wish all the best to his family and friends who will miss him very much.
BM
Barb Machtan
Other •
Julie, I came upon this while looking at the Lodi Enterprise. I am sorry for your loss. I remember we were both grew up as only children and I know it is very hard to lose a parent and not have the support of siblings. Wishing you strength during this difficult time. Barb (Thompson) Machtan.
RP
Rachel Putnam
Other •
Very sorry for your loss. Roger was always so nice to be around when we were shooting at Winnequah. Very sorry to hear of his passing.