John "Jack" Karl Otterson

Jack Otterson, 86, Waitsburg WA, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023. Jack was born to Otto and Ruth Otterson in Jackson MN and moved to Waitsburg in 1937.

Jack graduated from Waitsburg High School in 1956 and attended Eastern Washington College after graduation. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, and enjoyed 63 happy years of marriage. Jack and Nancy had three children: Tammy, Laurie and Jack Jr. Laurie preceded her family in death.

Jack was a patriarch in his community and lived his life performing acts of service for his friends, family, neighbors, and community. He will be missed by many.

Jack served as a Commissioner on the Columbia County Public Hospital District #1 Board for 19 years. He was also one of the early founders of the Waitsburg Ambulance Service and spent 46 years on the Waitsburg Ambulance Service Board of Directors with 20 of those as the board President.

Jack was a member of the Waitsburg Fire Department from 1960 - 2000 and served as Fire Chief for 10 of those years.

Jack served on the Waitsburg City Planning Commission for 15 years.

Jack worked for the Wala Walla County Public Works for 31 years, with 16 of those years as Walla Walla County District 2 Supervisor. In 1997, Jack won a state award for Road Supervisor of the year.

Jack and Nancy owned and operated the Dayton Drive-In movie theater from 1966-1986.

Jack also had a passion for the Waitsburg Masonic Lodge where he was a member for 50 years and served as Worshipful Master in 1981. Jack was a member of the Waitsburg Chapter of Eastern Star for 25 years where he served as Worthy Patron for two terms, was the Grand Representative to Delaware, and the State Chairman of the Heart Fund for the Order of Eastern Star. He was a member of the Rainbow Advisory board for 30 years, served 10 years as Rainbow Dad, and received the Grand Master Youth Support Award in 1987.

There will be a Masonic graveside service at the Waitsburg Cemetery on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM. This service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the Waitsburg Town Hall at 11:30 AM.