Carol A. Otto

Carol Almeda Otto passed away peacefully of natural causes Thursday evening, March 30, 2023, at Good Samaritan Village in Mountain Lake, Minnesota.

Carol’s love and memories will live on in her family, forever grateful for the open seat that is never empty and the moments where their hands feel held or their forehead brushed. The best love keeps giving.  

“May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten."  ~ Julie Hebert

Carol was born August 8, 1934, in Blackduck, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert and Gertrude (Strand) Morehouse. She graduated from Pequot Lakes High School in 1952, where she played basketball and participated in many school activities. Carol had a first date on November 4, 1950, with the man who would become the love of her life. They went to a Harlem Globetrotters basketball game in Crosby-Ironton. Their fate was sealed and not long after that she married her high school sweetheart, Ronald O. Otto on June 27, 1953. Carol and Ron celebrated their 67^th wedding anniversary in 2020, prior to Ron’s death.

Carol and Ron lived in Key West, Florida while Ron served in the Navy from August 7, 1952 to July 26, 1956. During this time, their son, Mark was born. The family relocated to Mankato, Minnesota in 1958, where their daughter, Denise was born. Carol worked for MICO, Inc. in North Mankato for 55 years before retiring at the age of 82. She was well respected in the business community locally and internationally.

Carol loved and cared for her family and friends and led by example, always helping others and serving in the community. She will be greatly missed by her family and everyone that crossed paths with her along her journey. She spent much time with family outdoors in northern Minnesota fishing from the family boat on the many lakes. Carol and Ron played much golf together, each celebrating their own hole-in-one! Carol played in the Mankato Geriatric Softball League for several years and was inducted into the Mankato Bowling Hall of Fame.  Carol was a long standing member of the B.P.O. Does of the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge No. 225, she was President and Conductor for many terms, beginning in 1971. She was an amazing leader!  

Carol was a wonderful woman, daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Family meals around the dinner table were always enjoyable and educational. She was fun loving and had the greatest laugh! There was no shortage of jokes and stories within the Otto household. Carol was a lifelong fan of Minnesota sports, fittingly she took her last breath the day of the Twins opening game.

Carol was a resident recently at Good Samaritan Village where she was loved by the residents and staff alike. Carol loved the staff at Good Sam, she enjoyed the many activities and had made some very good friends while there. Avera@Home Hospice was wonderful in providing end-of-life care for Carol. Her family is very grateful to these two organizations.

Carol is survived by her daughter Denise (Brian Conner) Lauerman, of Boise, Idaho. Carol is also survived by five grandchildren, Caron (John Rupp) Otto, Nathan (Molly) Lauerman, Craig Otto, Tanner (Kylie Natoniewski) Lauerman, and Samantha (Nathan) Pierce. Carol is also survived by six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Ron, her son Mark, her parents, Albert and Gertrude, and her two sisters, Gert and Myrna.

This beautiful woman’s life will be celebrated by her family in Pequot Lakes at a later date. Carol has requested her ashes be taken “back home” to remain, along with her husband Ron’s ashes.

Memorials can be made in Carol’s memory to Avera@Home Hospice, Good Samaritan Village at Mountain Lake, Minnesota, the MGFA – Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, or please consider giving to a charity of your choice.