Darrel Ottun

Darrel Victor Ottun, 87, of Sargent, NE left his earthly life and entered his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Valley County Health System, Ord, Nebraska. Darrel was born to Berent and Annie (Olson) Ottun at home on October 30, 1928 in Round Valley. He attended Round Valley School District 66 through ninth grade. Following his education, Darrel bred and showed purebred Hereford cattle for years. His success in this endeavor prompted a search for spiritual fulfillment which resulted in finding true meaning to life through His Lord and Savior. Darrel married Sheila (Ummel) Ottun August 21, 1960 at Burr Oak Church. The Lord blessed them with five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Having a young family and a deep desire to ground them spiritually, Darrel and Sheila were instrumental in starting the Evangelical Free Church of Sargent, NE in which Darrel was a faithful and active member. He was a fervent supporter and member of The Gideons. Darrel had a great love of God, family, cattle, horses, and dogs. He was an avid learner and reader throughout his life. With a great love for adventure, Darrel and Sheila took their family on many memorable vacations across the country. Many of these trips included visiting Norwegian relatives. He passed down a legacy of Norwegian traditions to his family. In 1983 Darrel and Sheila were honored with the Pioneer Farm Award which recognized them for a century of continued farming on the homestead. Farming and ranching was a passion which he continued into his 80s. In spite of failing health, Darrel remained in his home with his devoted wife caring for him until his heavenly homecoming. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Harold Ottun and Gaylord Ottun. He was survived by his wife of 55 years, Sheila Ottun; sister, Donna Jacobson of Norwich, NY; sister-in-law Anita Ottun of Sargent, NE; son, David (Cindy) Ottun of Polson, MT; daughter Caroline (Larry) Folkers of Sargent, NE; daughter Rebecca (Trent) Stimpert of Bucklin, KS; daughter Mary (Jonathan) Simpson of Highlands Ranch, CO; and son Paul (Stacy) Ottun, of Sargent, NE. Grandchildren Tavis Ottun of Polson, MT; Tessa (McKee) Sitts of Spokane, WA; Jessica Simpson of Omaha, NE; Aaron and Andrianna Simpson of Highlands Ranch, CO; Abigail and Hannah Stimpert of Bucklin, KS; Elizabeth, Daniel, Kathryn, and Justin Folkers of Sargent, NE; Hope, Elsie, and Grant Ottun of Sargent, NE. Great grandchildren Jordan and Josie Sitts of Spokane, WA; a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 7, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the Sargent Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Don Schauda officiating. Interment will follow at the Round Valley Cemetery. Govier Brothers Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 6, 2015 1-6 p.m. at Goviers Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, NE with the family greeting friends 4-6p.m. Memorials may be given to Homeward Trail Bible Camp of Mason City, NE or the Gideon’s.