Muriel June Otterberg, a woman who embraced life fully for 93 years, passed away peacefully on May 11th at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Spearfish, South Dakota. Born on June 22nd, 1931, in Lemmon, SD, to Stanley and Laila Schjeldahl (Christie), Muriel's early years were spent on a small dairy farm near Haynes, North Dakota. She often recalled the crisp mornings spent washing milk bottles and the responsibility of delivering milk before the school day began. She excelled academically at Haynes elementary and high school, culminating in her role as the valedictorian of her graduating class of eight. She even played and lettered in Basketball at Haynes, even though she admitted she wasn't very good.

Even during her school years, Muriel demonstrated her industrious spirit, taking the train between Haynes and Lemmon on weekends to work at the local bowling alley. It was there, amidst the clatter of pins and the camaraderie of bowlers, that she met John Otterberg. Their connection deepened, and they married on her parents' wedding anniversary, September 16th, 1950, marking the beginning of a long and loving partnership.

Their life together blossomed with the arrival of two children, Terri in 1955 and Todd in 1962. After a brief period on Active Duty at Fort Lewis WA, the family returned to Lemmon, where Muriel became a vital part of the community. Her work ethic shone through in various roles, from a friendly face at the local cafe to a trusted employee at the Bank of Lemmon. For a time, she and John also shared the experience of owning the Lad and Lassie. Her career culminated at the Lemmon Hospital, where she dedicated 18 ½ years as a meticulous medical records transcriptionist.  She also volunteered her time with the Jaycees and the Legion Auxiliary.

Beyond her professional life, Muriel embraced life with enthusiasm. She and John were a dynamic duo on the dance floor, earning awards for their graceful movements. She cherished the simple pleasure of coffee with friends and found solace and community at the Presbyterian church. Weekends often found them hosting loved ones at their cabin on Shadehill Lake, where Muriel's generous spirit shone as she ensured no one left her table hungry. Travel was another shared joy. They embarked on memorable trips, including a Hawaiian getaway with friends and visits to relatives in California. A special journey took them to Australia to visit their daughter and son-in-law, allowing them to explore the vast continent. Their adventurous spirit continued with the purchase of a motorhome, leading to winter journeys in the warmth of Florida and Texas, always returning to South Dakota just in time for the unpredictable late April snowstorms. In Lemmon she never passed up the chance to play bridge and Mr. and Mrs. Club dances.
Following John's passing in 2000, Muriel remained in Lemmon for several years, cherishing her memories. In 2009, she moved to Spearfish to be closer to her son and his family, embracing her new community through her church and involvement at the senior center. In 2021, she transitioned to Edgewood Vista Assisted Living, where she continued to be cared for.

Muriel's legacy lives on through her daughter, Terri (Darryl); son, Todd (Karen); grandsons, Jason Otterberg (McKenzie) and Kory Otterberg; granddaughter, Alexandra Firth, and her cherished great-grandchildren, Bryson and Briar Otterberg, as well as many other dear friends and family members.

She now joins her beloved John in eternal rest, preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Laila; sister, Sherry; brother-in-law, Dale; nephew, Jerry; sister-in-law, Judy Brink; mother and father-in-law, Benita and Roy Otterberg, and her devoted husband.

Burial will be held at 10:00AM Tuesday, May 27th at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.

A special thank you to the Edgewood Assisted Living Residence for the fantastic care that she received during her stay there.

Memorials will be donated to the Spearfish Senior Center and the Our Saviors Lutheran Church, in Spearfish.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.