Merlin E. Ottesen

Merlin E. "Buster" Ottesen, 85, of Topeka, was called home by the Lord on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born on May 1, 1923 in Hunter, ND, the son of Fredrick C. and Sofie Larsen Ottesen. He worked on the family farm prior to enlisting in the Army where he served during WWII. Merlin lived in Atchison for 13 years, Effingham for 18 years and had resided in Topeka for the past 30 years. He was employed by Page Airways for 23 years and Rockwell International for 7 years, both in Atchison before retiring in 1979. He also continued farming before retiring. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and American Legion Post No. 400. He was an avid KU fan. Merlin married Opal Gilliland on March 5, 1948 at Fort Leavenworth. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2001. He was also preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters. Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Lancaster of Topeka, Joyce (Ed) White of Tecumseh, three grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica and Dustin, three great-grandchildren, Sidney, Niki and Malayah, one sister, Jean (Tom) Polimus of Kemp, TX., and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Merlin will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, KS 66601.