Robert W Otto

Robert William Otto of the Osnabrock-Langdon area passed away peacefully under Hospice care on April 7, 2014 with family at his side at the home of his daughter in Fargo, ND after valiantly battling a rare Sarcoma cancer diagnosis given to him on February 21, 2014.

Robert was born on October 31, 1931 to William and Kathleen (Wild) Otto. Robert attended his first 8 years of school at the Osnabrock Township School and then graduated from Milton Public School. He then attended State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. He entered the Army in 1955 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He served as a track mechanic working on tanks. He was discharged in 1957.

After his father passed away in August of 1950, Robert took over the family farm along with his Uncle Clarence Otto. He had a great love of taking care of cattle, raising Limousine, Simmental and most recently Black Angus. He became an American Breeders Service Representative in 1967 and continued that position until 6 weeks before his illness, breeding cattle for himself and many others across Northeastern North Dakota for over 47 years. His wish was to return to the farm to see his cattle one last time, but his illness overtook him too quickly to fulfill that wish.

Robert was a member of St. Clotilde’s Church, Milton, ND and St. Alphonsus Church, Langdon, ND. He was a member of the American Legion in Milton for several years and served on the Osnabrock Township Board for several terms. He was a volunteer and served as a board member with the Osnabrock Fire and Rescue Department. He was also a member of the ND Simmental Association, serving as a director for 10 years and president for 2 years. He also served on the board of directors for the Osnabrock Farmers Coop Elevator.

He married Edi Ann Chaput on April 23, 1960. To this union, 6 children were born. He is survived by his wife, Edi Ann of Langdon; children: Alan (Lori) of Mesa, AZ, Lori (Don) Goering of Fargo, ND, Mark (Tamy) Otto of Fountain Hills, AZ, Gena (Doug) Marcussen of Ada, MN, Kent of Orlando, FL and Ryan of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren: Andrew Otto, Austin Otto, Ashton Otto, Alex (Alauna) Tuttle, Evan Tuttle, Aiden Marcussen, Izabel Marcussen; step-grandchildren: Bryan Berkland, Tod Goering, Troy Goering, Cassie Velasquez, Natalie Marcussen, Matt Marcussen, Chris Marcussen; one great-grandchild: Chloe Tuttle; one great-grandson on the way; brothers: Duane (Bev) Otto of Langdon and James (Lois) Otto of Edinburg; sister Mary Louise Shankar of Langdon; and sister-in-law Sally Otto of Osnabrock. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle Clarence Otto, brother Richard Otto and one grandson, Aaron Otto.

Robert’s passion truly was his love of his cattle, his horses, the outdoors and the friendships that he acquired over the years. He never met a stranger. He especially took pride in the success of his children and enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up. He will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 3-5:00 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND and a Prayer Service will be at 7:30 pm at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 11th at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Interment - Calvary Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Red River Valley and St. Alphonsus School Endowment.