Leon Pete Walter Otteson

Leon Pete Walter Otteson, 92, of Westerville (recently living at The Inn at Walnut Trail in Sunbury), died February 6, 2026.  He was born on December 16, 1933, in Alliance, Ohio to Alfred Christopher and Winefred Olive Otteson.  He is survived by his two daughters and son-in-law, Jennifer and David Merryman of Galena and Julie Otteson of Columbus.  Pete is also survived by his bonus grandchildren, brother-in-law, Edward Mougey, many nieces and nephews and his four-legged grandchildren.  Pete’s wife Carol, his son David, his sisters Ruth, Lillian and Amy and many sibling-in-laws preceded him in death.  Pete was also preceded in death by many fur babies who he adored.  Pete served in the United States Marine Corp followed by a successful career in the trucking industry.  He was a long-time resident of Westerville which he loved dearly.  He was a member of, and past Post Commander of, The Westerville American Legion.  He was also a past member of Westerville City Council.  He served on the Parks Foundation and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.  Pete loved the backyard paradise he and his wife Carol created, including the ducks, squirrels and birds he kept fed.  One of his biggest joys was meeting up with his friends to share laughs over a meal.  He also loved exploring new places and travelled around the country and world.  He was passionate about helping others and continued to donate to military, nature and animal organizations until the end.  To respect his hatred of cold weather and love of spring and the outdoors, a life celebration will be held at Pete’s church, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, on April 25 at 11am eastern.  He found home at the church so it is appropriate that his final resting spot will be in the church columbarium beside his dear wife.  More details to come regarding a post church get together at a local Westerville business.  The family is asking for those wanting to honor Pete’s life to donate to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, donate to a charity of their choice or support a local business, three things Pete was passionate about throughout his 92 well lived years.