Helen Otterson

Helen Otterson, born March 30, 1920, died on Monday, Oct. 8, due to complications from a fall.

Helen was born Helen Irma Krenke to Helen and Albert Krenke. She had three siblings: Margaret, Irwin and Richard. The Krenkes lived on Silverado Trail in Napa, and Helen attended Soda Canyon School. Helen attended Napa Union High School, graduating in 1938. While in high school, she met her future husband, Charles Otterson. Their loving relationship lasted for 62 years, ending upon Charles’ death in 2009.

While still living in Napa, Helen attended business school, then worked as a bookkeeper at the Cameron Shirt Factory. Helen enjoyed sewing and belonged to a local sewing club for many years.

After their marriage, Helen and Charles moved to Sacramento, where they had three children. Helen worked at Crocker Bank and moved to Folsom, Calif., to be closer to nature. Helen enjoyed gardening, producing many of the family’s fresh vegetables.

Helen is survived by her children, Charles Jr. (Chuck) and his wife, Vicki, of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; Katherine Wilkins and her husband, David, of Menlo Park, Calif.; and James of Sacramento. She also leaves five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at the Treadway & Wigger Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m.