Florian J. Otto / July 21, 1919- Jan. 24, 2010

Published 10:29 am Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Florian J. Otto, 90, of Morris Drive, Niles died at 5:20 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 at West Woods of Niles after a long, blessed life.

He was born on July 21, 1919 in Winsted, Minn. to Clemens and Martha (Bisping) Otto. He came of age in the Great Depression and was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater. After his tour of the duty, he was married in St. Paul, Minn. June 17, 1946 to the former Frances Fruth, who survives.

Florian earned his bachelor of science in agronomy from the University of Minnesota in 1948. He was employed by DuPont in research and development for many years, and then in sales. He retired in 1985 after 38 years of service.

Growing up on a farm, he wanted to keep his family close to the earth. They moved to Niles in 1952 and established the Lavender Hill Farm, a small farm with sheep and a large garden. The family (and the sheep) are still there.

Florian was an avid sports fan. Most of his family learned to face adversity by being fans of the Detroit Lions over the years along with him. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Niles.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Otto and by their eight children, Therese ( Matthew) Sarec of Dacula, Gerorgia, Fr. David Otto of Niles, Mark (Jennifer) Otto of Lansing, Mich., Stephen (Mary) Otto of Rochelle, Ill., Fred (Michelle) Otto of St. Paul, Minn., Francis (Stella) Otto of Empire, Mich., Nona (Lee) Blauvelt of Lansdale, Pa., and Martha (Bill) Wilczynski of Niles; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and by his sisters, Helen Curran of Farmington, Minn., and Non Weinbeck of Winchester, Va., and his brother, Austin Otto of Winsted, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his five brothers and sisters.

The mass of Christian Burial for Florian J. Otto will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church by his son, the Rev. David Otto of the parish. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by American Legion Post 26, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at the church.

Contributions in memory of Florian may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, Niles.

Arrangements were made at Halbitter Funeral Home, Niles.