George J. Otis

George J. Otis was born June 7, 1908, in Dakota City, IA. At the age of 3, he moved with his mother, Maude May Otis, to live with his grandparents on their farm near Forest City, IA. George attended elementary school and high school in Forest City. He worked on the farm until he was 21 years old. George married Ann Catherine Trump June 28, 1929, at Blue Earth, MN. One daughter, Patricia, was born to that marriage. The family moved to Forest City, where George operated a trucking business for 10 years. Following that, he managed the Standard Oil and Co-op Stations until moving to Albert Lea in 1951. George worked for May Electric for 10 years and then Streater's until his retirement. The couple lived in the same home for 50 years, moving to a condominium in 2001, and then to an assisted living facility before coming to St. John's in 2003. Following his retirement, George was actively involved in volunteer services at Good Samaritan and St. John's, using his talents to assist residents with woodworking projects. He enjoyed golf, bowling, and fishing, spending many hours with his grandsons in a boat on Minnesota lakes. George was a member of IOOF Odd Fellows Lodges in Forest City and Albert Lea for over 75 years. George and Ann celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in June 2004. Survivors include his wife Ann of Albert Lea; daughter, Patricia and her husband, Howard Nelson of Dassel, MN; grandsons, Mark and his wife, Melissa and their daughters, Brittney and Kelsey of Pocatello, ID, and Brad and his wife, Leslie and their son, Benjamin and twins, Bella and Jett of Edina, MN; and several nephews and a niece and their families. George was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Andrew in March 2004. George demonstrated talent in the areas of electrical, mechanical, and woodworking. His sense of humor was apparent, even in his last days at St. John's, where the employees so kindly assisted him during his diminished ability to care for himself.