Donald Claude Otto was born on April 28, 1917 in Bloomer, Wisconsin, and passed away in Puyallup, WA., May 26, 2008 at the age of 91. He was the son of Edward and Maude Otto, and was the second to the youngest of seven children. The family moved to Washington State in June 1921, and Don lived in the Puyallup area for the past 87 years. Don, at age 16, joined the U.S. Navy in the 1930's. He served his country with honor aboard several aircraft carriers in the Pacific. Don met Helen Walsh and they were married on June 14, 1941. They were married for 66 years. Helen preceded Don in death on September 5, 2007. Don and Helen shared a second home in Whitehall, Montana for 20 years. He was a member of the Elks for 58 years and was also a member of the Eagles where he and Helen enjoyed dinner and dancing. Don was a member of the South Hill Historical Society, where he contributed not only information but also artifacts for the society. Don loved the outdoors where he hunted, fished and rode horses in the hills. They traveled for several years in their motor home, visiting relatives and researching family history. They especially enjoyed going to Canada, and wherever they traveled they made lifelong friends. Don worked for Pierce County Road District operating heavy equipment and building many of the roads that we drive on today, along with building Frontier Park in Graham, WA. He worked for the railroad, in logging camps, was a Pierce County Deputy Sheriff, and also worked for the Mayflower moving company. Don raised Christmas trees with his brother Ken, on his property for several years. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maude, his brothers Clarence, Wilford (Spud), Gilbert (Mick), Kenneth and sisters Mabel and Georgia. Donald is survived by his five children, Donald E. Otto of Boise, Idaho, Linda Otto, Karen Donaldson (Roger), of Puyallup, Lori McFarland (Dwight) of Bonney Lake, and Mike Otto of Eatonville. He has six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all his family. Viewing will be Tuesday, June 3, 2008 from 4-8 pm with a funeral service Wednesday June 4, 2008 at Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup. Burial will be at Woodbine Cemetery, also in Puyallup. Following the services, friends and family are invited to gather at the Puyallup Eagles. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, (there is a memorial bench in honor of both Don and Helen) or to the Salvation Army. Contact a family member or donate directly to organizations.


Published in the News Tribune (Tacoma) on 6/2/2008.