Dr. Martin E. Ottersberg, DVM

dr. martin ottersberg, dvm

February 21, 1952 ~ May 24, 2015


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Dr. Martin Edward Ottersberg, DVM Born on Feb. 21, 1952, in West Point, Neb., passed away May 24, 2015, in Pueblo, Colo. He married his wife, Jody, on Nov. 29, 1975. Survived by his loving wife, of 39 years, Jody; children, Kylie (Adam) Felzien, Blake (Tina); grandchildren, Madison, Mason and Elle; siblings, Dan, Jeff, Sue (Dennis) Haslinger, Mary (Max) Vermersch, Bill Jr., John, Janet and Steve (Nasha Winters); in-laws, Hoy Sr. and Norma Frakes; brother-in-law, Hoy Jr. (Kathy) Frakes; sister-in-law, Allison (Jon) Budd; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and faithful dog, Sam. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Ottersberg; and brother, Robert. He compassionately cared for family pets for 36 years at his practice, Veterinary Associates, as well as provided his time and expertise to the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo, West Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation and numerous schools and organizations. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Southern Colorado A's and Model A Ford Club of America car clubs. As a Boy Scout he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Nature Center of Pueblo. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com.

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  1. Hi my names madi Elson I am the grand daughter of Martin Otterburg I miss him a whole lot he was my best friend in the world its been about 4 years since he died and I would like to thank you for all the love and support 4 years ago.Thank you so much.

  2. Prayers sent to his family. Dr.was so kind to our big dog, she was never frightened being treated by him. Animals could sense his calm spirit.
    RIP, so sorry for his family and friends’ loss.

  3. So sorry for the loss of a wonderful
    person (vet) who loved to care for pets and loved people. Prayers to his family.

  4. In the early 80’s, Dr. Ottersberg was the only veterinarian in Pueblo who was trained to see our sick Cockatoo. The bird had a growth on it’s tongue. I thank him for his efforts, although the bird, Benu, did not make it. My deepest sympathies to Jeff, Bill and all who loved him. My thoughts are with your family.

  5. My daughters and I are very sad to hear about Dr. Ottersberg’s death. We have fond memories of the care he provided for our family pets over the years and will remember him fondly and with respect. With our sincere sympathy,

  6. Dr. Martin Ottersberg has left behind a great legacy. We were deeply saddened by his passing. He was kind and compassionate when dealing with our pets over the years, often staying beyond office hours to attend to their needs. He will be sadly missed! Our sincere sympathy and prayers go out to all of you.
    Sincerely,
    Joanna Goodman and family

  7. Dr. Ottersberg was my friend and a loving, caring, and compassionate doctor to all of my beloved pets over the years. I will miss him so very much. My condolences to his loving wife and family.

  8. Dr Ottersberg was my friend and a wonderful, caring, loving doctor to all my beloved pets over the years. I will miss hi so very much and my deep condolences go out to his wife and family.

  9. Jody, My husband and I were so saddened by the passing of Martin. He had been a great vet to our five, 4-legged ‘children’ over the past 18 years. I remember the first time we took one of dogs in to see him, I told him that I had gone to high school with you. And, the last time we took our dogs in to see him (not long ago), he laughed at my husband’s admission that he over-fed the dogs “people food.” He was a kind man and a wonderful vet. Tanya Watts Musso

  10. My friendship with Martin started as children and remained for life. Our family’s were connected and we shared with each other the joy and celebration of weddings , children and family reunions, and the sadness and loss of children, siblings and parents. We shared in the ebb and flow of life. Martin was truly a good and honorable man and a wonderful and compassionate vet. We look forward to the sharing and celebration of Martin’s life. And to “Mart”, I will see you again my friend.
    Leonard and Kim Smith

  11. So saddened by your loss. Martin had been our Vet since 1990, and always provided the most competent, compassionate care to my pets and myself. He always went the extra mile accommodating the needs of my dachshunds, snoodle, and cat. I am truly at a loss in expressing my condolences for your loss of this great man.

  12. To the Ottersberg Family,
    I am so sorry and sadden by the news of Martin’s passing. I’ve known him since jr. high and he has been my ‘kids’ champion and doctor. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

  13. Jody,
    Kay and I are so sorry for you and your families loss. Hope to see you at the memorial.
    Sam and Kay Corsi

  14. My wife and I are saddened by the news of Martin’s passing. We wish the family our deepest sympathies. I was one of the the many Smith boys. Jeff, Kim and I send you our deepest regrets. Much Love, Dan
    Kim and Dan Smith (Greenville SC)

  15. Martin and I attended elementary through high school as well as catechism at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. His mom and mine were close and I still make Mrs. Ottersberg’s “frog eye salad”. He was a little mischievous with his side kick Leonard Smith though elementary and middle school i.e. putting gum on my seat during a break from taking achievement tests, or throwing rocks at me, etc. My mom used to say “It’s his way of showing he likes you”. He asked me to one middle school dance and Leonard’s dad drove all of us to Mc Donald’s in his VW van, although Patti’s Drive Inn was the up scale place to go. He loved animals especially snakes and loved to scare me with them. Although we went our separate paths during high school and college it brought me joy to learn he got into vet school. Now to view comments about his calm demeaner, kind, sweet personality, professional expertise it does not surprise me. It brings saddness to hear of his death.
    He turned out to be a handsome talented vet who it appears gave back more than he took. In Sympathy. Suzy Montera Coleman

  16. Extending my deepest sympathy to Martin’s Family and the entire staff at Veterinary Associates. He was an exceptional veterinarian … I will miss his kindness, compassion and patience shown to me and my animal family when we were in need. May he rest in peace …

  17. Words a hard to find when such a great person as Dr. Ottersberg leaves us. I can say that he was so sweet to my animals and my family. He was a kind and very generous person. I am grateful to have had him for a vet and will miss seeing him carry my tiny Chauncey .

  18. Dear Jody and all the Ottersberg family, Bob and I extend our deepest sympathy for your incredible loss. As high school and vet school classmates, we extend condolences, not only for ourselves, but for the larger family of veterinarians who knew what a fine man Martin was and how much he loved his family. Bob and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Paula and Bob Tillquist, Idhao

  19. Jody, John and I were deeply saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. I have thought of you fondly over the years. Debbie (Plutt) Anderson

  20. We were heartbroken to hear of Dr. Ottersberg’s death. He was our vet since he first joined Veterinary Associates and he was one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle people we have ever known. His love of animals was so obvious and he had a calm demeanor that the animals, as well as their “parents”, responded to. He will be sorely missed.

  21. Patrick and I were both shocked and saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. Patrick, being one of the “Lake Street Smith kids,” grew up with the Ottersberg family. Martin even treated our first kitty, Spike, when we were moving from Hawaii to Virginia with a stop-over in Pueblo. Our deepest sympathies to the family and their friends. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Patrick and Colleen (Price) Smith, Pfafftown, NC

  22. Jody, Kylie and Blake I’m so sorry to hear about Martin. I was in to see Martin frequently for one of the dogs various ailments. I enjoyed my visits with Martin, he was a great Vet, but you guys know that. My fondest memory of Martin was the Pueblo Swim Club Days. I’ll miss Martin and our chats.

  23. I was very saddened to hear the news. As a family friend growing up with the Ottersbergs, Martin was a gentle giant that I looked up to both literally and figuratively.
    My sincerest condolences to the Family and friends of Dr. Martin Ottersberg.
    Marty Smith ( Seattle, WA)

  24. I don’t think words can express how saddened we are to learn of Martin’s passing. Ray and I thought so highly of him. He was such a very kind and caring person. Over the years, he cared for 16 of our ‘kids’ďż˝. About 10 years ago, he met us at the clinic in the middle of the night because one of our dogs was severely bloated. She actually passed away on the table and he brought her back to life and then did surgery on her to keep her from bloating in the future. She went on to live a happy life for several more years. He did several other surgeries that gave many of our dogs a longer, more pleasant and comfortable life. Martin was a true gentleman. We will miss him more than we can say. I’m sure he was welcomed to heaven by a huge amount of grateful animals. Our prayers and sympathy go out to Jodie and all of the family.

  25. Jody and family – my sincere condolences on your loss. I know how hard this must be and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  26. My family and I were saddened to hear of Doctor Ottersberg’s passing. He saw our Sampson not very long ago. He was truly a great doctor. He took the time to explain everything we needed to know about how to care for our family pets who mean the world to us. It was evident that he genuinely loved his work. He will be missed and always admired for his work and for his kindness. We extend our condolences to his family and friends. May God bring you all the comfort you need to get through this tough time. Thank you, Doctor, for your service to our community.

  27. Dr. Ottersberg always entered the exam room with a warmth and smile that melted the tension and began the healing. Such a kind and gentle man. We will miss him. Onica, Steve, Sammy (woof) and Nickie (meow).

  28. I am very honored to have known such a kind and gentle man, who was so very wonderful to all of my pets. I will truly miss him so very much. To the family and office staff, I send you all my deepest sympathy. Sue Steves

  29. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of you! The loss of a husband, father, brother is so difficult, especially when they are so young and are so full of love, life and compassion!

  30. So sorry to hear of his passing. We have taken our pets here since we moved here. Even our lizards. Condolences to the family.

  31. Martin was a wonderful veterinarian. He cared for many of my furry babies. I also went to school with him and he was very smart and a great classmate.

  32. Words fail to express the sadness and loss we all feel at Martin’s passing. We know that his energy and life force will continue to support you and your beautiful family, and we pray that God’s tender embrace will enfold you with His love now at this most difficult time and forever. Dorsey-Spitz Family (Larry, Gayle, Ryan/Julie, Jenna/Brandon, Brendan/Jenni and Lauren)

  33. Dr. Ottersberg will be missed. We have been with his practice since they opened it. One of the best vets in Pueblo..Our prayers our with his family

  34. Martin was “Dr. Cat” to my two furry boys for years. Our parents were friends, and I went to school with his brother Bill.

  35. Martin was a kind and generous person. He gave so much to the people and pets in our community and to the wild life here in Colorado. He was a wonderful vet and a great person to work for. His passing will sadden many hearts. Jody and family all my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  36. Truely a fine man, wonderful friend, outstanding vet. He will be deeply missed by all he touched.

  37. Dr Ottersberg will be greatly missed. A wonderful Vet, friend of animals. One of the first persons we met when moving to Pueblo. We were fortunate to have known him through the years. Condolences to his family.

  38. He’s been our veterinarian for decades; he was a fine man. My wife, Kathy, and I share our deepest sympathy.

  39. There has never been a better man, nor a finer Veterinarian. Jody, I do not know how you deal with such a loss, but all of our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We were sooooo lucky to meet up with you and Martin in L.V. and we will carry his kind words forever.


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