Larry H. Otto met Jesus face to face the evening of Saturday, December 31, 2022. He was called to his Heavenly home from his earthly home in Ellendale, where he and his wife lovingly shared the last 23 years of their 51 year marriage. Larry’s strong heart weakened, and he passed with no lingering pain or brain injury. For that, we, his family, are thankful.
Larry is survived by his wife Emily (Busho) Otto, their daughter Bethany Boswell, her husband Curt, and daughters Kiyah and Hope. Larry and Emily’s son, Josh, his wife Kristin and their children Peyton, Kayedence, Kyah and Kenley, sister-in-law Pam (Busho) Poston and husband John, along with his sister-in-law Mary (Waage) Busho. Preceding him in death were his granddaughter Avery in 2018, along with his mother and father-in-law, Robert and Virginia Busho and brothers-in-law, Duane Wachholz and Vern Busho.
Larry was born on the Otto family farm on July 9, 1949. He was the 4th of five children born to Lester and Arvilla (Langlie) Otto who preceded Larry in death. Siblings who mourn his passing are Darlyne (Otto) Paulson and husband Lyle, Paul Otto and wife Joey (Hauser) Otto, and Sandra (Otto) Glenn; brother Dale Otto preceded Larry in death in 1967.
Nieces and nephews include David and Carrie (Olson) Paulson, Kent and Lorie (Schewe) Paulson, Christopher and Jennifer (Zabel) Paulson, Michael Glenn, Missy Otto, Jonika (Otto) and Corky Nix, Brad and Kori (Kiler) Busho, and Bailey (Wachholz) Landecker and her husband Luke. Larry was blessed with many great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Larry grew in his personal relationship with Jesus, which began in the late 1980’s. Via de Cristo was a big part of his early adventure with God. He loved the countless people he met while serving Via de Cristo, Emmaus Walk, United Cursillo, along with his local church family; each was instrumental in developing what would become his firm foundation in God’s Word. Friends and family became beneficiaries of his growth in Christ.
Larry lived his life with gusto, as he believed that God, family and country were the most important things. Growing up attending Ellendale First Lutheran and then in adulthood Ellendale United Methodist Church, his faith family enlarged. Larry taught preschool Sunday School and confirmation with Emily. He served in several leadership positions at EUMC, loved singing in the choir, and looked forward to those many “Potluck Sundays!” Larry was a member of the Praise Him (ministry group) which fulfilled his desire to serve God for nearly 25 years. He also was a Certified Lay Speaker, member of Harmony Junction Barbershop, and served on the Community Foundation of Ellendale board, all of which kept him busy over the years. Most recently, Larry expressed his love for our country by serving as 1st District and State Chaplain for the American Legion. He was also a 51-year member of Ellendale American Legion Post 296. His father-in-law, Robert Busho, mentored him in the American Legion way following discharge from the U. S. Army in 1971. Throughout his life Larry showed his respect for veterans by faithfully falling out for the local Honor Guard.
In Larry’s own words:
“God is Good.....All the time and
All the time......God is Good!”
Military honors provided by the Ellendale & Geneva American Legion and VFW.