MEMORIAL SERVICES: 1-3:00 P.M. with a brief service at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.
INTERMENT: Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN
SURVIVORS: His wife, Kirky of Park Rapids; daughter, Melissa of Minneapolis; sister, Barbara (Keith) Knutson of Pequot Lakes and Bloomington; brother, William (Mary Rae) Otto of Palm Harbor, FL; cousin, Jim (Dana) Reed formerly of Park Rapids presently of Davenport, FL.
BRUCE LEIGHTON OTTO
November 17, 1939 ~ November 14, 2011
Bruce Leighton Otto was born November 17, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN, and died November 14, 2011 in Park Rapids, MN, three days short of his 72nd birthday. Bruce passed away with Kirky, his loving wife of 49 years, and their beloved daughter, Melissa at his side. He battled myxoid liposarcoma, a rare cancer, for over two years.
Bruce was one of four children born to Lyle C. and Edna V. (Gumboldt) Otto. The Otto family owned a resort on Mille Lacs Lake for several years, and Bruce was proud to help with the fishing launch, with filleting fish for the guests, and of being allowed to take the bus back to Minneapolis each year so that he could attend summer camp in the BWCA. He bought his first car at age 12, a Model T Ford which he rebuilt. It was the first of many such projects. He graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota. Bruce enlisted in the Army Reserve, serving for eight years with great pride. Bruce married Kirky Munson on August 25, 1962, after completing his basic training. To this union two children were born, Eric and Melissa. Bruce worked for John Deere in Minneapolis and Bloomington for 10 years, and then continued his career with International Harvester in Minneapolis, and later with Uglem-Ness Case-IH in Northwood, North Dakota, where he was an office manager for 17 years. Bruce and Kirky moved to Park Rapids in 1991, and he began building custom lake homes. Bruce was a licensed building contractor, building inspector and septic designer/inspector, and worked for Hubbard County Environmental Services for a number of years.
He is survived by wife, Kirky of Park Rapids; daughter, Melissa of Minneapolis; sister, Barbara (Keith) Knutson of Pequot Lakes and Bloomington; brother, William (Mary Rae) Otto of Palm Harbor, FL; cousin, Jim (Dana) Reed formerly of Park Rapids presently of Davenport, FL; many other cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, 11 treasured great nieces and nephews, and many good friends. He was proud to know so many in the building trade industry in Park Rapids and to count them as friends.
Bruce was preceded in death by his son, Eric Bruce Otto in 1990; his parents, Lyle and Edna and toddler brother, Ronald.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids from 1 to 3 P.M. Interment will be in the Otto Family lot at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis early next summer. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, St. Joseph’s Hospice or the donor’s favorite charity.
Dear Kirky And Melissa
I went to High school 55,56,57 and then lost contact as we went about our lives, I proably would
have left it there except that He mentioned restoring a Model T ford,we T'ers all stick together. Ilearned to drive in a Model T coupe in the forties and in 2004 I bought a barn fresh "TT"
which is 1925 ton truck and restored it. I took it
to richmond IN. in 2008 for the Model T 100 yr reunion and this September we Did the Parke Co. covered bridge tour in Indiana, Almost 400 miles in 4 days. I wish there had been away to get to know Bruce and his family, enough to say I am sorry for your loss and hope close friends will fill the vacancy. Chuck
13
Monday, 21 November 2011 12:00
Sue & Bob Taylor
Dear Kirky,
I am so sorry to learn from Chris Meloni about death of your husband, Bruce. The video paints the portrait of a loving, sweet man, who I know you and Melissa will dearly miss. Please know you are in our thoughts and that we send hugs to enfold you.
12
Monday, 21 November 2011 07:19
Sandy LaBonne
Dear Kirky and Melissa, I am saddened to hear of your loss. I didn't know Bruce well, but my Pierre said he was the best friend a guy could have. I have wonderful memories of our getting together, the fishing Pierre and Bruce enjoyed so much. I am grateful for his many kindness after I lost Pierre. I hope you have peace. Your friend always Sandy
11
Sunday, 20 November 2011 13:58
Michelle LaBonne Rodman
Kirky and Melissa:
My deepest condolences at your loss. Bruce and the Otto family are a major part of my childhood memories. I know that you are grieving and rejoicing. Grieving for your loss and rejoicing that he is pain free and dancing with the angels. I pray that you keep the great memories in your hearts and that the grief is filled up with those memories. Bruce will be missed for the kind, gentle person he was and remembered by all that he touched in life.
Michelle
10
Saturday, 19 November 2011 15:26
Pastor Carl and Ruth Vaagenes, Brooklyn Park
Knowing you and having you and your family as good friends from our days together in Northwood continues to enrich our lives as we have kept you in our thoughts and prayers. Bruce's faith in God saw him through many o life's challenges, and he learned to live in God's promise, "I am with you always... I have prepared a place for you, that where I am there you also will be." With our love, prayers and condolences, Carl and Ruth
9
Friday, 18 November 2011 22:32
Ericka (Johnson) Anderson
Kirky and Melissa,
My deepest sympathies in your loss of Bruce. I know our families had many good times together growing up in Northwood. Your family has always been so generous, kind, and willing to lend a hand to my parents at any given moment. Even during the Northwood tornado a few years ago. I know my mom and dad will greatly miss Bruce and I pray you will find love and comfort in your memories of him every day. His memory will live on in your heart and in your friends who share his dreams too.
God's Blessings to you,
Ericka and Family
8
Friday, 18 November 2011 19:57
Bill and Myrna Johnson
We will miss our friend. Our families enjoyed many events together over the years and in particular in Northwood and they won't be forgotten.
7
Friday, 18 November 2011 14:40
Mike Regan
Melissa,
My deepest sympathy at your loss. If you need anything, let me know.
Mike
6
Friday, 18 November 2011 12:20
Tanea
Melissa,
Our thoughts are with you in this time of loss. He will live on in you.
5
Friday, 18 November 2011 10:37
Tom Creighton and Dennis O'Connor
We are so deeply sad over the loss of Bruce. Our love and prayers go out to Kirky and Melissa. Bruse built our family a home. What greater gift? His amazing skill and care are evident in every nail and board of our beautiful home. Added to that gift was the gift over the years of friendship from Bruce and Kirky. One could not help but be amazed by this gentle giant of a man, caring so much for his dear Kirky, bursting with pride over his beloved Melissa, and reaching out at each encounter to anyone who was priviledged to have met him. I recall observing with amazement this big guy standing with excitement and wonder at the smallest of birds arriving at his many feeders. We will forever miss his kindness, gentleness, goodness and friendship.
4
Friday, 18 November 2011 07:48
Jody Kessner
Melissa,
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. It's a very difficult time for your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jody
3
Thursday, 17 November 2011 15:42
Tom Ewing
I read with saddness the passing of Bruce Otto. Bruce and I were safety patroll "crossing guards" at Clinton Elementart School in the mid 50's to the spring of 1951 when we finished grade school. From there Bruce went to Bryant junior School and I attended Wendell Phillips Junior School then onto Central High School and the class of 1957.
In high school there was the YMCA and, of course the Order of DeMolay sponsored by Ark Masonic Lodge in south Minneapolis.
The spring and fall Jobs Daughters and DeMolay dances. We drifted apart with military, school, marriage and moving out of state. I did learn Bruce and family lived in North Dakota just south of Minot, ND and we lived in Bismarck, ND
Bruce was a great person to visit with.He was quiet, friendly, a good friend to be with. Bruce will always be remembered as a quiet, unasuming person.
I keep looking into the past as I learned that Ken Torrance, a part of the teenage group and DeMolay passed in February, 2010.
The Lord be with you during this time of loss.
With Deep Respect and Symphony.
Tom Ewing and Harriet
2
Thursday, 17 November 2011 15:09
Darla Kasper
Melissa,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Darla
1
Thursday, 17 November 2011 11:43
John Wiik
All of the Wiik family send our love to Kirky and Melissa.
I have so many good memories of Bruce both on Park Avenue and at the ranch. He was always the big brother to all of the guys.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
John, Sue and family
I went to High school 55,56,57 and then lost contact as we went about our lives, I proably would
have left it there except that He mentioned restoring a Model T ford,we T'ers all stick together. Ilearned to drive in a Model T coupe in the forties and in 2004 I bought a barn fresh "TT"
which is 1925 ton truck and restored it. I took it
to richmond IN. in 2008 for the Model T 100 yr reunion and this September we Did the Parke Co. covered bridge tour in Indiana, Almost 400 miles in 4 days. I wish there had been away to get to know Bruce and his family, enough to say I am sorry for your loss and hope close friends will fill the vacancy. Chuck
I am so sorry to learn from Chris Meloni about death of your husband, Bruce. The video paints the portrait of a loving, sweet man, who I know you and Melissa will dearly miss. Please know you are in our thoughts and that we send hugs to enfold you.
My deepest condolences at your loss. Bruce and the Otto family are a major part of my childhood memories. I know that you are grieving and rejoicing. Grieving for your loss and rejoicing that he is pain free and dancing with the angels. I pray that you keep the great memories in your hearts and that the grief is filled up with those memories. Bruce will be missed for the kind, gentle person he was and remembered by all that he touched in life.
Michelle
My deepest sympathies in your loss of Bruce. I know our families had many good times together growing up in Northwood. Your family has always been so generous, kind, and willing to lend a hand to my parents at any given moment. Even during the Northwood tornado a few years ago. I know my mom and dad will greatly miss Bruce and I pray you will find love and comfort in your memories of him every day. His memory will live on in your heart and in your friends who share his dreams too.
God's Blessings to you,
Ericka and Family
My deepest sympathy at your loss. If you need anything, let me know.
Mike
Our thoughts are with you in this time of loss. He will live on in you.
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. It's a very difficult time for your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jody
In high school there was the YMCA and, of course the Order of DeMolay sponsored by Ark Masonic Lodge in south Minneapolis.
The spring and fall Jobs Daughters and DeMolay dances. We drifted apart with military, school, marriage and moving out of state. I did learn Bruce and family lived in North Dakota just south of Minot, ND and we lived in Bismarck, ND
Bruce was a great person to visit with.He was quiet, friendly, a good friend to be with. Bruce will always be remembered as a quiet, unasuming person.
I keep looking into the past as I learned that Ken Torrance, a part of the teenage group and DeMolay passed in February, 2010.
The Lord be with you during this time of loss.
With Deep Respect and Symphony.
Tom Ewing and Harriet
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Darla
I have so many good memories of Bruce both on Park Avenue and at the ranch. He was always the big brother to all of the guys.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
John, Sue and family