James W. Otto

James W. Otto, age 85 of Fargo, ND and formerly of Edinburg, ND passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2021at Sanford Health in Fargo.

James W. Otto was born February 9, 1936 in Osnabrock Township, ND the son of the late William and Kathleen (Wild) Otto. He attended rural school there and graduated from Milton High School. Following his education he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany from 1956-1958. Upon his discharge he returned to the Milton area where he worked with his uncle Clarence Otto doing construction and masonry work. James was united in marriage to Lois Stegman on December 29, 1965 in Cavalier, ND. In 1966, the couple moved to Edinburg where he continued his work in construction in the surrounding areas. He retired in 2017 and the couple moved to Fargo in May of 2018.

James was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. His passion was hunting with his seven grandsons. He had a gift to visit with anyone he met. His love for woodworking, collecting tokens, antiques and refinishing old pieces kept him busy with his hands.

James is survived by his wife, Lois, Fargo, ND; children: Patti (Ken) Novacek, Mayville, ND; Michael (Paula) Otto, Park River, ND; Lisa (Tom) Steinolfson, Colfax, ND; seven grandsons: Nathan (Shelly), Darren (Kim), Jason (Katelyn), Max (Melissa) Sam (Whitney), Ben (Whitney), Dillon (Courtney); five great grandchildren: Tucker, Paxtyn, Maddyn, Harper and Hailey; brother, Duane (Beverly) Otto, Langdon, ND; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle Clarence, brothers: Robert and Richard and sister, Mary Louise.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Edinburg, ND. Visitation will be Wednesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Edinburg American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.