Merlin Carl Otto was born May 28, 1938, the son of Henry and Viola (Stuhr) Otto. He passed away Friday, December 28, 2012, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, Iowa, at the age of 74.

Merlin was born near Botna, Iowa, where he attended rural school until his folks moved to Manning, Iowa, where he attended high school graduating with the class of 1957.

He entered the U.S. Navy on December 28, 1957. Merlin was united in marriage to Phyllis Riley on May 27, 1960, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa, by Rev. Schmidt. After serving his country, he returned to Manning, going to work for Manning Monitor and Denison Newspaper. The family then moved to Spencer and Storm Lake, Iowa, until he retired in 1999. The couple then decided to move to Woodward, Iowa, to be closer to their children, son Michael and daughter Marcy and their grandchildren.

Merlin enjoyed stock car racing for many years and took photographs for the paper. He also liked woodworking, refurbishing antique tractors, watching football, deer hunting, and fishing in his spare time. Merlin was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Woodward and the American Legion. He entered the nursing home on February 8, 2011.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Woodward; his two children: Michael Otto and his wife, Mary; and Marcy Wienert; all of Madrid, Iowa; three grandchildren: Maegan Van Cannon and her husband, Josh; and Macy Otto; all of Boone, Iowa; and Alexander Wienert of Madrid; two step-grandchildren: Daniel and Shelby Swank; all of Madrid; one great-grandson, Jaxon Van Cannon of Boone; one sister, Marlene Hargens of Pleasantville, Iowa; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held 10:30 A.M., Monday, December 31, 2012, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa.

Rev. Mark Schwalenberg of Polk City officiated the service and graveside rites held at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens, Garden of Masonic, in Denison, Iowa. Organist Karen Kahl provided accompaniment for congregational hymns, "The Old Rugged Cross," "How Great Thou Art," and "On Eagles' Wings." Serving as Pallbearers were Alexander Wienert, Gaylon Reetz, Jr., Duane Otto, Jim Vetter, Jim Hikins, and Allan Otto. Military Honors were provided by American Legion Post #8 of Denison. The family invited everyone to the church for fellowship and lunch provided by the Evening Guild.

The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.