Fern Ann Gotta

Fern Ann Gotta, age 83, a long time resident of the Pelican Lake Area, entered her heavenly home while surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Fern was born September 23, 1930 in Detroit Lakes, MN to John and Hilma (Johnson) Ottoson. She attended the country school near her family's farm through the eighth grade and was a 1948 graduate of Detroit Lakes High School, where she was elected the school's first Homecoming Queen. Fern went on to attend college at Moorhead State Teacher's college, and graduated with her teacher's certificate. While a student at Moorhead State, she met her future husband, James Gotta. Their union was blessed with five children: Linda, James, Susan, Joe and Jay. Shortly after their marriage, the young couple moved to Casselton, ND where Fern taught the second grade. In 1954, they moved to Moorhead. Fern's favorite things in life always had to do with family. She was gifted with a servant's heart and welcomed whoever graced her doors. In 1985, Fern and Jim retired to a home on Big Pelican Lake, where Fern created a beautiful space for her friends and family to spend time together. She was a gifted gardener, and enjoyed playing bridge and making ceramics. Fern was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Fargo and currently was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. She was a mentor and a teacher who devoted her entire life to her family. Fern was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Dennis and Kenneth. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 64 years, Jim of Big Pelican Lake; her five children: Linda (Jim) Ahlfors of San Antonio, TX, James (Robin) Gotta of Sartell, MN, Susan (Don) Metzger of Colorado Springs, CO, Joseph (Mary) Gotta of Moorhead, and Jay (Beth) Gotta of Bismark, ND; 21 dearly loved grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Shirley Forthun of Moorhead; her brother, Howard (Margaret) Ottoson of Lincoln, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN with the Reverend Paul Larson officiating. Deborah Johnson will be the organist. The vocalists will be Danny and Merrilee Ottoson who will sing, "It is well with my soul". A violin solo, "Be Thou My Vision", will be played by daughter in law, Robin Gotta. Grandson, Scott Gotta will play a piano medley. A eulogy will be given by grand daughter, Jennifer Howell and grand daughter, Maria Gotta will read the obituary. The casket bearers will be grandsons: Jeff Ahlfors, James N. Gotta, Joel NP Gotta, Luke Gotta, John Metzger, Joey Gotta, Drew Gotta and Matthew Gotta. Interment will be made next to her parents at the Lake Eunice Cemetery west of Detroit Lakes. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by the church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Christian School in Detroit Lakes.