Donald A. Otis

HOUSTON, MINN. - Donald A. Otis, 86, of Houston died on Friday, July 28, 2006, at Franciscan-Skemp Healthcare Center in LaCrosse, Wis. Donald was born on July 1, 1920, in Hart Township of Winona County to Vernon and Emma (Grapentine) Otis. He was raised in the Rushford Minn. area and attended the Rush Creek School. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was stationed in the Philippines and the Aleutian Islands. On March 19, 1945, he married Myrtle Bunke in Hart, Minn. They farmed for six years in rural Rushford. He then worked for Earl's Tree Service in Rushford and later for Ace Telephone Assoc. in Houston. Donald held several positions during his 31 year career at Ace Telephone. He retired in 1983, as the Safety and Personnel Director. He was a member of the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, the Houston American Legion and the South Eastern Minnesota Bluegrass Assoc. His love of the outdoors and wildlife included gardening, hunting, fishing, and for many years he served as a firearm safety instructor. He also enjoyed playing in the band, Family Four plus Two. The band was known for their Old-time Scandinavian and Bluegrass music. Donald started playing music in his early years with his father. Donald is survived by his wife, Myrtle; one son, Bill (Lori) Otis of New Ulm, Minn.; three daughters: Sandy (Kermit) Bensen of Bemidji, Minn., Kay Dahle of Houston, Minn., and Debra (Peter) Gilbertson of Saukville, Wis.; fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Dale (Linda) Otis of Rochester, Minn.; four sisters: Velma Himlie of Rushford; Jeannette (Don) Wanek of Rochester, Minn., Linda (Bruce) Hovland of Rushford, Minn., and Amy (Rich) Schmidt of New Richmond, Wis.; and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Verna; sister, Vera; and brother, Roger. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 31, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Rev. Lane Zaffke officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Hart, Minn. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, at Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the Church. There will be military honors by the Arnet-Sheldon American Legion Post of Houston. Please feel free to sign the guestbook or leave a memory of Donald with the family at www.hofffuneral.com