Bruce Barnes Ottenfeld

Bruce Ottenfeld, a longtime resident of Bend, Oregon passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 6th 2024. Bruce was 91 years old. Bruce was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and moved to Bristol,Tennessee with his parents, Conrad and Helen Ottenfeld, when he was nine years old. He and his older brother Neil and sister Nancy and younger brother Keith had a great life together. Bruce always loved adventure and being outdoors. As a very young boy he was active in Boy Scouts of America. He went on to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout when he was 15 years, going on to receive The Order of the Arrow. Following his graduation from Bristol Tennessee High School, Bruce attended University of Tennessee in Knoxville his freshman year. His passion for the outdoors led him to pursue a degree in Forestry. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. Bruce was drafted by the United States Army after graduation, and served overseas in Germany from 1955-1957. After his military service Bruce moved to Medford, Oregon starting his career as a Forester in timber management, often working in remote areas accessible by foot only. His duties earlier in his career included fighting fires in Alaska and Montana. His career took him and his wife and daughters to live in Eugene Oregon, Roseburg, Oregon, Coos Bay, Oregon, Washington D.C, and Riverside California. After retiring in 1982, Bruce and Marie moved to Central Oregon. In 1962, while living in Eugene, Bruce married the love of his life, Marie (Simeone) Ottenfeld. He is survived by Marie, of Bend Oregon, his brother Keith Ottenfeld of Alaska. He is also survived by his two daughters and their spouses, Hilarie Tesch (Ron), of Oregon, and Nancy Stevens (Chris), of Tennessee. Bruce is also survived by seven grandchildren - Christopher Tesch, Keith Tesch, Miranda Tesch,Taylor Stevens, Carter Stevens, Cameron Stevens and Zachary Stevens, as well as two great grandchildren, Anthony Tesch and Andrew Olivares. Throughout his long life Bruce stayed true to his love for nature, relishing outdoor activities and adventures. His hobbies and interests seamlessly intertwined with his pursuits which included hunting, camping, golfing, fishing, hiking, gardening, bird watching, landscaping and cultivation of over 50 trees at their current home. He cherished his wife Marie, having the joy of celebrating sixty- two years together. His family meant everything to him. Bruce forged numerous friendships across diverse circles, reflecting his friendly, kind nature. He embraced and lived his life to the fullest, grateful for every day, and expressing gratitude to all who crossed his path. We all loved him and will miss him very much. We extend our appreciation and gratitude to Partners in Care and St. Charles Hospice who took such good care of him during this past year. Services will be held on Wednesday May 15th at 10am, St. Francis Catholic Church, Bend, Oregon (on 27th Street). Reception to follow. Donations in memory of Bruce may be made to St. Francis School where Marie taught for several years or Partners in Care of Bend.

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Bruce Barnes Ottenfeld

February 18, 1933 - May 6, 2024