Gayleene Ottersen

Gayleene Elizabeth Ottersen, 84, of Kenosha, WI, formerly of Zion, IL, passed away on January 7, 2022. Gayleene was born in Kenosha on November 15, 1937, to the late Paul Brown and Elaine (Bill) Lindblom. She attended Zion schools, and in Junior High Gayleene committed her life to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She attended Moody Bible Institute where she met Roger Ottersen of Michigan City, IN. They chose to build their life together and were married on August 2, 1958. She served faithfully as a pastor's wife in Michigan City, IN, Zion, IL, and Sun City, AZ. Gayleene and Roger cared for those in their neighborhood, city, and church community. Together they traveled to mission stations around the world, and she joyfully served in Sunday School, Women's ministries, Vacation Bible School, Camp Zion, and Zion Passion Play. Gayleene especially had a heart for children, and in addition to caring for her own children she served many years in Winkie Bear and Circle Center, the pre-school ministries of Christ Community Church in Zion, IL. She and Roger planned special time with each of their grandchildren every summer, where they spent days swimming, playing games, and building a love of Jesus into each child's heart. Gayleene loved her family, and she is survived by her beloved husband and best friend of 63 years, Roger; children, Steve (Teresa) Ottersen, Elizabeth (Patrick) Kellick, and Mark (Diane) Ottersen; grandchildren Bradley (Stephanie), Mackenzie (Billy), Jake (Katie), Nicholas, Alec, and Matthew; brother, Kevin (Kathy) Lindblom; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Bonnie (Bob) Bennage. Visitation will be Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 am at the church, with Pastor Ken Langley officiating. Memorial contributions to Camp Zion, a ministry of Christ Community Church, have been suggested.