Junius "Mike" Otto

Junius "Mike" Otto, 86, of Warren, MN, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2015, in Bonaventure Senior Living in Castle Rock, CO.

Junius Otto was born in Radium, MN, to Adolph and Ida (Schulz) Otto on June 28, 1929. A twin brother to June, they were born the 6th and 7th children in his family in a time when both twins surviving was rare. The two were known for years, to the family and many others, as "the twins".

As a young man, after having to leave school early to help with the family farm, Mike began working for the Soo Line Railroad. He left railroad work to be a merchant marine for a very short time. However, his father became sick and as the family’s youngest boy; home he went to help support the family.

In October 1953, Mike married Barbara Kezar in Middle River, MN: together they had three children. Mike worked for the railroad for 45 years, retiring in 1990. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved the outdoors. There wasn't a task for a friend he would ever turn down. He loved his garden and could be found tending it or his flowers during the summer. He was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church serving on the church board, and anything else needed to serve the church.

Mike is survived by daughter, Julie (Richard) Johnson of Arvada, CO; son, William Otto of Fort Collins, CO; four grandchildren, Andrea (Derek) Iverson of Castle Rock, CO, Christopher Johnson of Vail, CO, Sydney and Dawson Otto of Fort Collins, CO; great-grandchildren; Kenadie and Bradley Iverson; and sisters-in-law, Karen Veralrud of Otter Tail, MN, and Mary Kezar of Farmington, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jon; wife, Barbara; twin sister, June Engelstad; sisters, Loreen Gerhls and Bernice Knutson; brothers, Orville, Reinhold and Eugene Otto; and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Warren or the Warren Senior Community Center.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Friday, November 6, 2015 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.

VISITATION: One hour before the service.

INTERMENT: Melo Lutheran Cemetery, rural Warren, MN

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