Donald C. Otto

Donald "Don" C. Otto, age 97 of Eau Claire passed away Wednesday, morning January 28, 2026 at River Pines in Altoona.

Donald Carl Otto was born January 12, 1929 at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, WI to Carl and Amanda Otto. He lived in rural Strum, WI until the age of 14 when the family moved to the family farm in rural Eau Claire. He met his wife Harriet Hayes at Furnier‘s ballroom in 1952. They were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Cleghorn, WI on November 20, 1954 and together they raised 4 sons. They celebrated their 71st anniversary this past year. Don worked on the family farm alongside his father and in 1954 started working for Huntsinger Farms - Silver Springs Gardens for 40 years retiring in 1994. After the barn fire in 1970, Don and Harriet moved the family to the farm and built a new dairy barn while still working at Silver Springs. In 2019, they sold the farm and bought a condo in Eau Claire where they were very happy.

Don is remembered for his strong faith and love for the Bible. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served on the counting team, ushered and was part of the Thursday senior Bible study group for many years.

Don and Harriet especially loved attending Bluegrass festivals and many bus tours with the Kings countrymen Bluegrass band to Nashville, Tennessee, Branson, Missouri, and Vermont.  Since retirement you could find him up north at Rock Lake Campground fishing with his family, rooting on the Packers, taking in a good game of golf with his son, Mark, and watching his granddaughters and great granddaughters play softball. But his true passion was cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers.  He was very proud of his Brewer bobble head collection. 

The family would like to thank the staff at River Pines and St. Croix hospice for the care they provided to Don. The family also extends a special thank you to Dr Roberts at Mayo Clinic health system and staff for the years of dedicated care for Don.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Carl and Amanda Otto and his sister Dolores Otto.

He is  survived by his wife, Harriet,  his sister Bernadine Westphal, his children Gerald (Cheri) Otto, Dale (Jodi)Otto, Randall Otto (Dawn Frase) and Mark Otto. Grandchildren: Jamie Otto, Casey (Jaime)Otto, Kayla (Dustin) Levasseur, Tami (Kyle) Gilles, Matthew (Crystal) Otto, Cory Otto, Danette Teigen, Amannda (Amanda) Pandya, Noelle Otto.

Great grandchildren: Aleena, Jacoby, Hyatt, Isabella, Alexandra, Chloe, Melanie, Isaac, Nevaeh, Carleigh, Mason, Milo, Aubrianna, Malachi.

Funeral services will take place at 11 am on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E. Fillmore Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Mark Schulz officiating. Visitation will take place that day at the church from 9 am until the time of service.  Burial will take place that day at 2 pm in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in the Pleasant Valley Township. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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