Lawrence “Larry” Walter Otto, 87, of Burlington, Iowa died at 3:40 a.m. Thursday, September 27, 2007, at Burlington Care Center.

            Born February 25, 1920 at his family’s farm in rural Burlington, he was the son of Walter Fred and Ella Thye Otto.  On July 18, 1947 he married Virginia Mae Bohlken in Burlington at Oak Street Baptist Church.

            Larry was a 1938 graduate of Burlington High School and attended Burlington Business College.  A World War II Army veteran, Sgt. Otto served in the European Theater including England, France and Germany.  He was a combat veteran from 1942 – 1945 in Company A, 820^th Engineer Aviation Battalion.  His last eight months he served in the glider troop and was honorably discharged October 3, 1945.

            Larry farmed, served as a rural mail carrier, a salesman for Chamberlin Company while living in Kewanee, Illinois, and an employee of Iowa Ordnance Plant before expressing his entrepreneurial spirit.  Larry initially founded Farm and Home Supply, which transitioned in 1952 to Otto-Matic Water Specialists, which he owned and operated until his retirement January 1, 1998.

            He was a member of Oak Street Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and on numerous boards.  He was also a member of The Gideons International, Blackhawk Restorers, Roamin’ Hawks, and a life member of Disabled American Veterans.  He enjoyed golfing, hunting, boating, traveling, playing practical jokes, camping, antique cars and tractors.  He never met a stranger, loved to share his military experiences, and his faith in Jesus Christ.

            Survivors include his loving wife, Virginia M. Otto of Burlington; children, Susan L. (Terry) Donovan of Wever, Iowa, Paul R. Otto of Birmingham, Alabama, Diane R. (Gregg) Shaffer of Silver Spring, Maryland, David Lawrence (Joanne) Otto of Burlington and Karen E. Otto of Chicago, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Lt. Cmdr. Angelic D. Donovan of Kodiak, Alaska, Tara C. (Jason) Bollback of Laguna Niguel, California and Zachariah D. (Somer) Donovan of Boise, Idaho, Elisa G. Shaffer, Heidiane M. Shaffer and Erynne N. Shaffer all of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Katherine M. Otto and Joshua David Otto both of Burlington; one great granddaughter, Sydney Mae Bollback of Laguna Niguel, California; and one brother, Henry “Hank” L. (Ginny) Otto of Spencerville, Ohio.