Elk River, MN - Alden Elroy Otterness, 92, our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026. We will remember him always.

Al was born June 21, 1933 in Dovre Township, MN. He was number seven of Anna and Elmer Otterness' nine children. He spent his childhood growing up in the Willmar area.

Al married Evelyn Howe on September 22, 1951. They lived in Minneapolis, Colorado and eventually planted roots in Eagan, MN in 1960 when they built their house. He remained in that same house until 2025. Al worked 40 years for Hitchcock Industries in Blooming at the foundry, where he got his nickname Lars. He spent many of his retirement years visiting family and friends around his home and back in New London, playing horseshoes, cards, riding his trike, having half a puff and going to the pub with the boys. All the trophies he has would indicate he was halfway decent at horseshoes. He also enjoyed cowboy movies, a good casino visit, The Price is Right, White Castle, Snickers and giggling at funny jokes and old stories. He was a kind man with a young spirit who got a kick out of teaching his grandkids the naughty Norwegian words he knew. Al was able to live on his own and drive his car until he moved out of his house in 2025. We're also happy to say he still had black hair on the day that he died and never went fully gray. He went on many family motorcycle runs and told rambling stories of the old days or just stories about what he had for breakfast that day. We will remember him for his chuckles, Velcro shoes, flannel shirts with a candy bar in the pocket, twinkling eyes and his key phrases with a thick Minnesotan accent: "goddam Sam" "shitlars" and "yee haw". He was always up for a conversation (only if you didn't overstay your visit) and a good laugh. We hope he rides off into the great beyond with blue skies, warm weather, a couple of sweet treats, fantastic horseshoe games and a hearty YEE HAW.

Alden is survived by sons: Curt (Mary) of Elk River, Bruce of Circle Pines and David of Rosemount; sisters Mary Bloomquist and Ramona (LaVerne) Latterell of New London, brother-in-law and good friend: Arlos Jones of New London; 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Evie; son, Doug, parents and siblings: Earl, Palmer, Manfred, Eleanore, Roger and Clayton.

There will be a private memorial service at a later date. The family would like to thank Guardian Angels By The Lake and Trinity Hospice for the care and compassion they've had for Alden. Memorials preferred to Guardian Angels By The Lake of Elk River in Alden's name: guardianangelsmn.org/giving-back (Designation to By The Lake Alden Otterness Memorial) or 763.241.7682.