Carol Barnes Ottoson

Carol Ottoson died on August 2, 2026, in Ithaca, NY. She was born in Rockford, Minnesota on December 1, 1930, the only child of dairy farmers Sydney and Blanche Barnes. Growing up on the shores of Lake Rebecca, she loved animals and was active in 4-H. Her beloved Jersey cow, Patsy, won a blue ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, she moved to Portland, OR, and started work as a grade school teacher. She met Walter Ottoson at a folk dancing club. They married the day after Christmas in 1954, “because the church would still be all nicely decorated.”

Carol and Walter raised two sons, Ken (“Otto”, born 1955), and Roger (born 1957). Carol was always curious and up for adventure; she led the family on excursions all around the Pacific Northwest. Carol received her Master's Degree in American History at Portland State, and continued teaching elementary school until her retirement in 1986. She brought her piano skills to use as an accompanist at school assemblies and programs. Carol was beloved by students and fellow teachers alike.

After retirement, Carol and Walter were active in Volkswalking. They visited every state and its capital, every Canadian province, and countries all around the world, to walk. From Portland, they went as far north as the road took them, and then walked into the Arctic ocean.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Walter. She is survived by her two sons, Ken and Roger, and granddaughter Ana.