Glen Bud Ottoson

Glen Bud Ottoson, 89, of Waterloo, died March 5, 2016, in Belleville.

He was born Sept. 25, 1926, in Lancaster, Calif., son of the late Andrew and Harriet Ottoson (nee Fredeen).

Glen was a member of First Baptist Church of Waterloo, and he was a U.S. Army veteran.

Glen was born in 1926 in Lancaster, Calif., where his father was attempting alfalfa farming. As a result of bankruptcy during the Great Depression, the family left the Lancaster farm and moved to Washington state. Glen was fond of recounting memories of the time with his family growing up on the Washington farm.

After high school, Glen was drafted. He served in the United Stated Army as a part of the occupation of Japan immediately following World War II.

After his service, Glen attended Wheaton College on the G.I. Bill, where he met Winnetta Koedyker. Marriage in 1950 was followed by graduation from Wheaton in 1951. Glen then pursued a master’s degree in biblical literature at Wheaton, graduating in 1952.

Glen taught language arts and history in Lagrange, while also pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration at Northwestern University.

Following graduation, he took a principalship in 1958. Glen retired from education in 1988. In 1995, Glen and Winnetta left the Chicago area for the St. Louis region to live near their son’s family.

Glen loved music, particularly the traditional music of the church. He and Winnetta regularly participated in church productions of Handel’s Messiah.

Glen was an avid reader, with particular interest in theology and politics. He loved travel, and had special fondness for trips with Winnetta to England, Hawaii and Alaska, as well as for the many trips to Helena, Mont., to see their daughter’s family.

Glen most of all loved spending time with family, and took great joy in seeing his grandchildren and encouraging their abilities and interests.

He is survived by his wife, Winnetta Ottoson (nee Koedyker); children Mark (Sandra) Ottoson, and Marilyn (Stephen) Snezek; grandchildren Gwyn Snezek, Remy Snezek, Andrew Ottoson, Ashley Ottoson, Jerry Snezek and Rex Snezek; sister Abbie Thompson; along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters.

Visitation was March 8, at Quernheim Funeral Home, and March 9, at First Baptist Church.

Funeral services were March 9, at the church, Pastor Steve Neill officiating.

Interment followed at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.