Joan Averill Otte ’50
Born in Portland, Joan grew up in Jennings Lodge and Oregon City, Oregon. She attended Reed, before transferring to Oregon State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree, followed by a bachelor of nursing degree from the University of Oregon Medical School. While at OSU, Joan met George Otte, and they were married in 1951. Their careers led them to The Dalles, Oregon, and Lanai City, Hawaii. Eventually they settled back in McMinnville, where they raised their three children. In 1976, Riitta, a Finnish exchange student, joined the family. The family moved to Casper, Wyoming, and when Joan and George retired, they returned to McMinnville, where they built their dream home.
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George passed away in 2000. Joan is survived by her children, Tom, Terry, and Nancy; her Finnish daughter, Riitta; and her brother, Jim.
Appeared in Reed magazine: June 2018
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