Charles Otterson

Napa - Charlie G. Otterson, born, raised and longtime resident of Napa and Yountville was born on May 17, 1921 to Andrew J. Otterson and Mary Bidart Otterson. Charlie graduated from Napa Union High School in 1939 and was active in sports, student government and school activities.

His grandfather, Charles F. Otterson, was Napa’s first fire chief.

In December 1947 his marriage to Helen I. Krenke, of Napa, was forever: a 62-year union. Charlie dedicated his life to Helen and his family. Charlie served in the U.S. Army during W.W.II. After they were married, he and Helen moved to Sacramento, where they worked and raised their family until 1992.

Charlie had a passion for all people and a special knack for remembering everyone by name.

They then moved back to Yountville and have resided at the Veterans Home of California at Yountville for the past 17 years, where Charlie was a familiar, friendly face with a friendly word for everyone he met.

He worked in public affairs, played golf, loved watching all sports and is lovingly remembered for never wanting to miss a horse race.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, his sister, Ramona Herrick, her husband, Al, and their son, Michael. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; his son, Charles G. Otterson, Jr., and his wife, Vicki; by his daughter, Katherine Wilkins, and her husband, David; and by his youngest son, James F. Otterson.

 He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too many to list.

Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at 1 p.m., at Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel, 623 Coombs St., Napa. Interment will be private at Tulocay Cemetery.