Otis D Biers

When reflecting on the life of Otis Biers, words such as hardworking, steadfast, and even jovial come to mind, however, the word that just might paint the most accurate picture of him is fun-loving. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, it was his family that was his greatest source of pride and joy. Otie had a love for history and was known to ride his lawnmower all over town, forever bringing a smile to others. He was a loving father who was thrilled beyond measure to become a grandfather later in life, and he treasured the moments he spent with his loved ones. Although he will be deeply missed, Otie leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1930s brought us some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. With a drought that crippled our nation for nearly two years, things only went from bad to worse. Despite the trials around them, Dale and Mabel (Peterson) Biers were pleased to announce the birth of the baby they named Otis Dean on June 30, 1934, in Plainview, Minnesota. Raised on the farm near Plainview, he was joined in his family by his three brothers, also known as his partners in crime at times. One such time was when he played with a slingshot, trying to hit one of his mom's chickens. He ended up killing the chicken and got in a bit of trouble. Otis along with his younger brother, Jim, got in some trouble from his mom for riding their little red wagon down the steps in the house. She was very mad. They never saw the wagon again.

When he was 15, Otie went to live with neighbors, the Gowlands and the Walters. He had to work for room and board there, but in his free time he trained for boxing matches by jogging around the farm. After graduating from Plainview High School in 1952, Otie went into the Air Force. He was stationed at Lackland and the Great Lakes bases and also in Japan. His mom was certain that he'd bring a wife home from Japan, and he nearly did. While in the military he was a dental technician. He boxed around the world and won the Golden Glove championship in 1954. Although he was encouraged to go to dental school, he couldn't stand the sight of blood and the thought of dirty mouths!

Following his discharge, Otie returned to the area. He initially worked for 7-UP Bottling Company, but at the encouragement of his friends he worked toward a career in the trades. Otis ended up fibbing about his age to get into the training to become a sheet metal worker. Once he was trained, he made his career as a sheet metal worker for Sheet Metal Workers Union #10, retiring in 1996. Otis was skilled and could make anything out of sheet metal including coffee mugs.

As a young man Otie met and later married Evelyn Becker. Together they were blessed with the births of four children, Byron, Blaine, Michele "Shelly," and Bradley. Sadly, Byron died when he was just 22. When his family was young they lived in Rochester before moving to Dover, which is where Otis lived the majority of his life. He and Evelyn were later divorced.

Life was forever changed for Otis when he began seeing a woman he had dated in high school. Her name was Elaine, and he called to ask her out after her husband died. Although she always had an excuse why not to go out, Otie always had an answer for every excuse. At times he even called her every hour! She finally agreed, and on their first date Otie took her home so he could see how she responded to his cat. As it turns out, Elaine likes cats so they got along well.

Throughout his life Otis was a man of many interests. His love for boxing remained, and he organized many boxing events while also supporting his sons' boxing. Otis had many trophies to show for his boxing successes as well. He established the Dover Studs softball team and was given a ball cap with "Dover Studs" and wore it proudly, much to the embarrassment of his family! Otis also enjoyed bowling. He loved traveling, and over the years he went to Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the Bahamas. It was his love for traveling that brought him to work in Antartica for a short time. These were the coldest days of his life, and Otie soon returned home. He collected John Deere tractors and was proud of his 1957 620 John Deere. In fact, Otie painted the fence at the farm John Deere green and yellow with official John Deere paint. He painted the metal grain bin Allis Chalmers orange. He loved the woods, and although he wasn't religious he knew that "God is in the Woods." Otie loved history and geography and he saved obituaries in a scrapbook with handwritten notes of what he remembered about the person. He followed area high school sports for 30 years, clipping news articles and saved them in a scrap book.

All who knew Otis would agree that he was one of a kind. He was diligent in sending out birthday cards, and they were signed with "Ole Otie Biers" with a smiley face. Otie organized his own "surprise" 75th birthday party - a karaoke party in Stewartville. Otis even scripted out who would sing, and in what order. He worked on it for months, and the invites said, '"No presents, but cards are ok if they are funny." These karaoke parties went on to become an annual event. Otie was a member of the Stewartville, Plainview and St. Charles American Legion as well as a past commander of the St. Charles Legion. He considered himself a fashion statement - even when he would leave one pant in his boot and the other one out. Otie loved playing cards. He organized a 500 tournament at the Stewartville Senior Center, charging $1.00 to play, and awarded prizes to the winners. After he went to live in the nursing home, the seniors tried to continue this tradition, but said they just couldn't do it without Otie.

There was no one who met Otis "Otie" Biers and left unchanged. He had a fun-loving spirit and a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Otis had a way of making everything an event to remember, and there was nothing like one of his birthday parties. A hardworking man who was devoted to the people he loved, Otie will never be forgotten.

Otis "Otie" Dean Biers, of Stewartville, died Saturday, December 10th at the Stewartville Care Center. Survivors include his three children, Blaine (Misty) Biers of Elgin, Michele "Shelly" (Louis) Wegman of St. Charles, and Bradley (Sarah) Biers of Blaine; five grandchildren, Blake Biers, Evan and Alden Wegman, and Connor and Braylee Biers; significant other of 17 years, Elaine Rysted of Stewartville and her three children, LaLonnie "Lonnie" Ginapp, Tamara "Tammy" Amos, and Charles "Chuck" Rysted; two brothers, Bill Biers (Barb) and Jim (Donna) Biers. Otie was preceded in death by his son, Byron (A father never completely heals when they lose a child, and Otie was no exception); two brothers, Charles "Charlie" and infant brother Richard; and a special friend, Jeanne Ramsey. Services to celebrate Otie's life will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles with the Reverend Heather E. Klason officiating. Burial will be at Little Valley Cemetery. A reception will follow services at the funeral home. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday and one hour before services on Thursday at the funeral home. Military graveside honors will be conducted at the cemetery. Please share a memory of Otie at his on-line guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Pallbearers will be Keith, Kenny, Wayne, Jim, Richard and Dean Biers.