Myrtle (Myrt) V. Ottensman, 91 died on Monday afternoon, August 24, 2009 at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone where she had resided since their opening day on April 1, 2003.

She was born October 31, 1917, in Gladstone, the daughter of the late Fred and Marie (Peterson) Hawkinson. Myrtle was a lifelong resident of Gladstone, attending Gladstone schools and graduating Salutatorian of her 1935 class.

She married Ralph “Bud” Ottensman on June 13, 1942, at Salem Lutheran Church in Escanaba. They had three children. Ralph preceded her in death on September 11, 1998.

On April 1, 1987, her retirement brought to a close a remarkable tenure of service to the people of her community. She was honored for the excellence of her service for a career which made her the longest serving treasurer in Delta County’s history since 1867. She began her work in the arena of public service in 1935 and was first elected treasurer in 1968. Myrtle was known for her vast financial, legal, taxation and political expertise. Her books and records have been used statewide as models for precise and responsible records-keeping. She brought her office through the sometimes-complicated change associated with computer automation, and assisted with the difficult task of implementing the Tax Revolving system of investments and dispensation of tax dollars. Her investment practices have reportedly earned hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Delta County treasury.

In addition to political activities, Myrtle was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Gladstone, its Sewing Circle & Altar Guild, the Child’s Welfare Organization, and the Gladstone Golf Club. Her hobbies included bowling, golfing, cribbage, reading, knitting, crocheting and going to camp.

Myrtle Ottensman is survived by:
Three children, Judy (Gary) Larson of Gladstone, Dianne (Rick) Clark of Delton, MI, Ralph “Dave” (Vicki) Ottensman of Gladstone

Five grandchildren, Debra (Jed) Koski, Erin Clark, Andrew (Becky) Clark, Buddy (Jamie) Ottensman and Caylen Ottensman

Four step-grandchildren, Gretchen (Glen) Bichler, Erick Larson, Laurie (Troy) Sovey, Rebecca LaBelle

Eleven great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Myrtle was preceded in death by husband, Bud, an infant son, her parents and brother Roy Hawkinson.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Lakeview Assisted Living for making Myrtle feel so much “at home” and for their loving care in the last six years and Pastor Jonathan Schmidt of First Lutheran Church for his spiritual support and friendship.

Visitation will be held on Thursday August 27, 2009 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM at First Lutheran Church in Gladstoone with funeral service at 5:30 PM with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Escanaba’s Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be directed to First Lutheran Church’s Sewing Circle.