John Normann Ottesen
April 19, 1926 — December 22, 2012
John N. Ottesen, 86, was born on April 19, 1926 in Los Angeles and passed away on December 22, 2012 in Montebello, Ca. John served in the United States Navy before serving as a Missionary/Pastor for 57 years.
His primary and high school education was completed in San Francisco. Having qualified for Naval Officer Training, he entered into active duty at the Navy V-12 Unit at the University of Southern California in March of 1945. After 20 months of such training he was honorably discharged to continue his college studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his BA degree in February of 1949.
While he was yet in high school he was convinced that the Lord had appointed him to serve as a foreign missionary. In preparation for this calling he attended one year of dental school, one year at the School of Missionary Medicine in Los Angeles, and one year at the California Lutheran Bible School. He then completed three years at Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, where he received his Master of Theology degree.
This is John's testimony in his own words: "I started in Sunday School as soon as I was old enough and I believe the Spirit of God impressed me with the truth of the things of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. I recall a sincerity and looking to our Lord in a personal way from my first memories. When I was seventeen years of age I was challenged for medical missionary work in South America as Pastor M. Sand addressed our congregation.
It was at university that I met servicemen studying and memorizing scripture under the Navigators topical memory system, and actively engaged in seeking to lead others to know Christ. Soon the Word of God was being laid up in my own heart and one night I was led to full assurance of my salvation on the basis of John 1: 12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." I could say for the first time in my life, 'I know I'm saved,' a reaffirmation and confirmation that my life and heart was yielded completely to Christ. Indeed, simple as this early step was, I have never been permitted to doubt since that my sins are forgiven, that I am a child of God, that I am beloved of God, and that I shall be finally saved because of the grace which was given me to believe such scriptures as John 3:16, John 1:12, and 1 John 1:9."
Since that time John's life was one of singular passion and focus: to live for Christ and to make His salvation known to all people, especially those who have never heard the gospel. Along with his wife Lois, he served in East Pakistan/Bangladesh with the Santal Mission and the World Mission Prayer League from 1956 to 1973; in Bangladesh with World Missions Far Corners from 1975-1978; in Pasadena at the United States Center for World Mission from 1978-1981; and in Ecuador with the World Mission Prayer League from 1981-1991. From his retirement up until his last days he was active in preaching, daily witnessing, and participating in local and citywide prayer gatherings. The love of Jesus poured out of his heart to everyone he met, and his deep and fervent prayer life impacted all who knew him, especially his own family.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm. at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 809 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640, (323) 721-0926, with burial to be held on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 12:15 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA.
John is survived by his wife Lois of Rosemead, and children Margaret (Robert) Lee of Naknek, Alaska; Ruth (Arlin) Olson of Strongfield, Saskatchewan, Canada; Grace (Jeffrey) Stoopes of Cascade, Montana; Julie (Paul) Frantsen of Waverly, Iowa; Kathie (Jeffrey) Dahl of Arden Hills, Minnesota; John (Sarah) Ottesen of Rosemead,Ca; and Amy (Wesley) Lennertz of Yuba City, Ca. He also leaves 28 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. John is predeceased by his siblings Alice Jessup and Otto Ottesen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the World Mission Prayer League or a ministry of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family through our web site.
Philippians 1:18-21 "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
His primary and high school education was completed in San Francisco. Having qualified for Naval Officer Training, he entered into active duty at the Navy V-12 Unit at the University of Southern California in March of 1945. After 20 months of such training he was honorably discharged to continue his college studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his BA degree in February of 1949.
While he was yet in high school he was convinced that the Lord had appointed him to serve as a foreign missionary. In preparation for this calling he attended one year of dental school, one year at the School of Missionary Medicine in Los Angeles, and one year at the California Lutheran Bible School. He then completed three years at Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, where he received his Master of Theology degree.
This is John's testimony in his own words: "I started in Sunday School as soon as I was old enough and I believe the Spirit of God impressed me with the truth of the things of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. I recall a sincerity and looking to our Lord in a personal way from my first memories. When I was seventeen years of age I was challenged for medical missionary work in South America as Pastor M. Sand addressed our congregation.
It was at university that I met servicemen studying and memorizing scripture under the Navigators topical memory system, and actively engaged in seeking to lead others to know Christ. Soon the Word of God was being laid up in my own heart and one night I was led to full assurance of my salvation on the basis of John 1: 12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." I could say for the first time in my life, 'I know I'm saved,' a reaffirmation and confirmation that my life and heart was yielded completely to Christ. Indeed, simple as this early step was, I have never been permitted to doubt since that my sins are forgiven, that I am a child of God, that I am beloved of God, and that I shall be finally saved because of the grace which was given me to believe such scriptures as John 3:16, John 1:12, and 1 John 1:9."
Since that time John's life was one of singular passion and focus: to live for Christ and to make His salvation known to all people, especially those who have never heard the gospel. Along with his wife Lois, he served in East Pakistan/Bangladesh with the Santal Mission and the World Mission Prayer League from 1956 to 1973; in Bangladesh with World Missions Far Corners from 1975-1978; in Pasadena at the United States Center for World Mission from 1978-1981; and in Ecuador with the World Mission Prayer League from 1981-1991. From his retirement up until his last days he was active in preaching, daily witnessing, and participating in local and citywide prayer gatherings. The love of Jesus poured out of his heart to everyone he met, and his deep and fervent prayer life impacted all who knew him, especially his own family.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm. at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 809 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640, (323) 721-0926, with burial to be held on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 12:15 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA.
John is survived by his wife Lois of Rosemead, and children Margaret (Robert) Lee of Naknek, Alaska; Ruth (Arlin) Olson of Strongfield, Saskatchewan, Canada; Grace (Jeffrey) Stoopes of Cascade, Montana; Julie (Paul) Frantsen of Waverly, Iowa; Kathie (Jeffrey) Dahl of Arden Hills, Minnesota; John (Sarah) Ottesen of Rosemead,Ca; and Amy (Wesley) Lennertz of Yuba City, Ca. He also leaves 28 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. John is predeceased by his siblings Alice Jessup and Otto Ottesen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the World Mission Prayer League or a ministry of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family through our web site.
Philippians 1:18-21 "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
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