Charles Hazen Otto, 89, of rural Mankato entered his heavenly home Sunday, November 8, 2009. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 13, at 10 A.M. at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Mankato. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at Minneopa Cemetery. Father Wilmot will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 P.M. on Thursday, November 12 at the Mankato Mortuary and also one hour before the service at the church.

Charles was born May 28, 1920, to George J. and Ella A. (Green) Otto of Rochester, New York. He grew up in Rochester and graduated from Aquinas High School. A four-year U.S. Army World War II veteran, Charles served in Italy and the Pacific. On May 28, 1946, he married Ruth L. Roberts of Mankato. Charles enrolled at the University of Illinois and graduated with honors in 1947.

Charles owned and operated, with his family, the A&W restaurant in Mankato for 24 years. Following retirement, Charles was active in the formation of the Mankato Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity and for 11 years volunteered at various homes. He was a charter member of St. Joseph the Worker Church. Charles loved his family and church and the many relationships that he developed through these endeavors.

Charles is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth L. Otto of Mankato; children, Charles Dean (Mary) Otto of Madison Lake, Virginia Otto of Marblehead, MA, Richard (Vicki) Otto of La Crescent, and Rebecca (Michael) Milless of Elk River, 12 grandchildren, Zachary (Susan) Otto, Charles Nicholas (Amy) Otto, Seana Downing, Daniel Downing, Caroline Downing, Casey Otto, Lindsey Otto, Carly Otto, Brett Baker, Katherine Baker, Montana Milless, Lexi Milless; 6 great-grandchildren, Lydia Otto, Helena Otto, Braeden Otto, Emma Otto, Charles J. Otto and Gitana Rave.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; son Paul; two grandchildren Sarah Otto and Brian Baker; three sisters; and one brother.

Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, or the donor’s choice.