Sven M Ottesen

Sven Ottesen born May 11, 1947, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Max and Arile Ottesen.

Sven Ottesen, age 77, passed away at home in Teton. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, and a man known for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family.

Sven grew up in the Moody area, where life was all about working hard and playing even harder. Farm life kept him busy—and out of trouble, most of the time. He had a knack for all things handy and didn’t shy away from a good day’s work. When he wasn’t fixing something or helping out on the farm, he and his partner-in-crime, John Pocock, could usually be found gallivanting around Moody, stirring up just enough mischief to keep things interesting.

He was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country as a member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment—known as the Blackhorse Troopers—during the Vietnam War from June 1969 to June 1970. His service was marked by honor, courage, and deep loyalty to his fellow soldiers.

On November 21, 1980, he married the love of his life, Connie. Together they shared a life built on love, laughter, and enduring partnership. He was a dedicated father to Merril Quayle, Melinda Mower, Skip Ottesen and Jesse Ottesen.

He worked for many years as a farmer and later retired from BYU–Idaho as a skilled heavy equipment operator. He was incredibly handy—and could fix almost anything. His practical skills, problem-solving nature, and steady hands were a blessing to all who knew him.

In his early years, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fast cars, camping, fishing, and hunting.

He preferred simple things—good company, family around, and time well spent.

His quiet strength and dry sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Connie; son Merril (Mindi) Quayle of Pocatello, daughter Melinda (Rick) Mower of Teton, son Jesse (Cammi) Ottesen of Iona; his sisters Linda Voss, Mary Ellen Young, and Marie Rasmussen; sisters-in-law, Nola Jensen, Eileen Parker, Debbie De Los Reyes, and Cherrol Chiles; brother-in-law Bryon Parker; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his son Skip; his parents, Max and Arile Ottesen; sister Margret Steel; brothers-in-law, Dale Jensen, Louis Parker, John Young, and Ralph Voss; and in-laws LaMoyne and Karen Parker.

Graveside services, with full military honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Teton Newdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family Saturday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Teton LDS Chapel, 44 West Main, before going to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Teton-Newdale Cemetery Veterans Memorial. Contributions may be sent via Venmo to @Eileen-57 or at any Beehive Credit Union location.