Otto William Lanz

Oakes, ND-Memorial Service for Otto William Lanz 93, of Oakes and formerly of Ellendale, ND will be 2:00 pm, Friday, February 11, 2022, at Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory in Aberdeen, SD. Rev. Justin Brotzel will officiate. The service will be live streamed and available at www.Carlsenfh.com under Otto’s obituary.

Burial will be in Ellendale City Cemetery in Spring, 2022.

Otto passed away February 6, 2022, at Oakes Good Samaritan Center.

Otto was born on October 14, 1928 in Britton, SD, to Carl and Ida (Gill) Lanz. An only child, he was raised on a farm near Newark, SD, where he graduated as valedictorian. (The only student in his class!)

Otto joined the National Guard in 1947 and later graduated from Yankton College. During this time, he met Charlene Thompson and they were united in marriage on June 11, 1950. They lived near Newark for a short time prior to settling on a farm near Ellendale, ND. They were blessed with 5 children: Cyndra Ann, LaVerne William, Carl William, Richard William and Cara Jean. Otto lived a short time near Ludden, ND and eventually retired and resided in Aberdeen, SD until entering the Oakes Good Samaritan Center in 2019.

Otto’s passion was farming, for himself and many others. He was an avid bowler, member of the Ellendale Scottish Rite of Free Masonry and a 50-year member of the Aberdeen Yelduz Shrine.

Grateful to have shared his life, he is survived by his children: Cyndra (Stan) Hokana of Oakes, ND, LaVerne (Brenda) Lanz of Brookings, SD, Richard (Darlys) Lanz of Aberdeen, SD and Cara Tangen of LaMoure, ND.

12 granddaughters: Jennifer (Jay) Knutson, Cameron (Jason) Swearingen, Brooke (Chad) Hansen, Kaitlyn (Tony) Nelson, Carrie (Mary) Pierce, Angela (Clint) Jorgenson, Leslie (Jon) Dieck, Larissa (Warren) Dillon, Jordan (Bryant) Noot, Kolby Tangen, Kaley Tangen and Tori Tangen.

11 great-grandchildren: Karlie (Tim) Sitzler, Kollen Knutson, Elijah and Noah Swearingen, Ellen and Hillia Hansen, Dylan and Emmy Nelson, Melody Dillon, Anja and Nora Noot.

1 great-great-grandson: Krew Sitzler.

Otto was welcomed in heaven by his wife Charlene; son Carl William; parents Carl and Ida Lanz; and a very special companion, Alice Grey.

Until we meet again, we will miss your smile, winks and the twinkle in your blue eyes.

Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellendale has been entrusted with arrangements.

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