Enlistment March 3, 1942
Discharge February 2, 1946

William August Otto, son of Carl and Catharina (Hass) Otto, was born August 21, 1915, in Aspinwall, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in that community and it was there that he received his early education. Following his schooling, he began working as a farm hand and carpenter in that area. William entered the military in 1942, and served as a combat engineer with the Army Air Force. Following his discharge as a Staff Sergeant, he returned to Iowa.

On June 5, 1945, William married Irene Jahn in Salt Lake City, Utah. They spent the early years of their marriage in Manning, Iowa, where William farmed for a number years. After moving to Spencer in 1967, he worked as a carpenter.

William was a member of the First English Lutheran Church of Spencer; the V.F.W. #3517, of Manning and the American Legion, Glen Pedersen Post #1 of Spencer.

He passed away at the Spencer Hospital on December 11, 1994, at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother, Heinie.

William is survived by his wife, Irene; his daughter Arlene Anderson and husband Leo of Wassilla, Alaska; his son Allan & wife Norma of Everly; 7 grandchildren: Barbara, Blaise, Waylan, Alison, Crystal, Joseph & Daniel; 3 brothers & their wives: Louie & Delores Otto, Bennie & Geniece Otto and Elmer & Myrtle Otto, all of Manning; 2 sisters, Melinda Dammann of Manilla, Iowa and Milda Malone of Carroll, Iowa; other relatives & friends.

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But god hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love.