Arlin W. Otto

Arlin W. Otto, age 86, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community. Arlin Wayne Otto, oldest child of Herbert and Eda Hintz Otto was born at home in the Hanover Community of Alta, Iowa on June 14, 1925. Arlin was baptized on June 21, 1925 at Hanover Lutheran Church, rural Alta, Iowa, and he was later confirmed at St. Johnâ€™s Lutheran Church at Storm Lake on June 23, 1940. He attended school all 12 years at Hayes Consolidated School, graduating in 1943. Arlin joined the United Sates Navy in October 15, 1943 and was honorably discharged on April 11, 1946. During his Navy service, he trained in Farragut, Idaho; Norman, Oklahoma and then Groton, Connecticut at the Salomone, Maryland Submarine Base. He also served on the USS Clythie in Perth, Australia. On August 3, 1947 Arlin was united in marriage to Marjorie Inez Rice at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. To this union were born Sandra Kay, Larry Lee, Edward Jon, Janiece Marie, and Kelly Wayne. Arlin and Marjorie farmed until 1958 when Arlin began working at Olsen Welding in Storm Lake. While there he created many rails, including the railings at the Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. From Olsen Welding he went to Merrill Manufacturing in Storm Lake where he worked for 30 years. He served as Shop Foreman for 25 years until poor health caused him to retire. Arlin and Marjorie went to many craft sales, with Arlin being well known for his beautiful oak creations. Oak was by far his favorite wood. On his 63rd birthday he sat on the front step and hand carved a duck. Arlinâ€™s good friend, Wayne Beeson, got him into duck carving which he did very well. Arlin donated several of his ducks to Ducks Unlimited. He and Wayne shared many hours talking and doing carvings together. From 1998 until his death he had several bouts of bad health, but was still able to function. A stroke in January 2000 took its toll and got worse the past four months of his life. Arlin is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marjorie; children: Sandra (John) Burke of Fairfax, Missouri; Larry (Dawn) Otto of Birmingham, Alabama; Edward (Brenda) Otto of Cherokee, Iowa; Janiece Otto of Storm Lake, Iowa; Kelly Otto of Davenport, Iowa; grandchildren: Michelle (Chris) Groves of Wentzville, Missouri; Jeffrey Burke of Fairfax, Missouri; Amanda (Jason) Walker of Skidmore, Missouri; Shane (Beth) Otto of Birmingham, Alabama; Nikel (Chad) McDougal of San Antonio, Texas; Daniel Otto of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Molly Otto of Birmingham, Alabama; Erin Otto of Denver, Colorado; and Tyson (Mikaela) Otto of Lincoln, Nebraska; great-grandchildren: Gabrielle, Paxton and Elliott Groves of Wentzville, Missouri; Owen and Kyndall McDougal San Antonio, Texas; Madalyn and Izabella Walker of Skidmore, Missouri; and Spencer and Virginia Otto of Birmingham, Alabama; sister, Darlene (Howard) Bonar of Anchorage, Alaska; brother, Marvin Otto of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; brothers-in-law: Bob (Dorothy) Rice of Denison, Iowa; Dick (Monica) Rice and Tom (Doris) Rice of Storm Lake, Iowa, and Ed (Loa) Rice of Alta, Iowa, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Eda Otto; parents-in-law: Everett and Flora Rice; and sister-in-law, Frances Otto.

Arlin W. Otto

June 14, 1925 - June 16, 2011