Delbert E. Otis, 93, of New London, was called home to the waiting arms of his Lord on Thursday, November 6, 2014.
He was born on July 25, 1921 in New London, son of Milton and Bessie (Voight) Otis. He attended New London High School and graduated with the class of 1939. Del was united in marriage to Hazel Reinert on September 26, 1942. Del was a World War II veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942-1944. Del was a lifelong resident of New London and longtime member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. In his younger years, he was an avid member of the local ski jumping club. He had a love of the sport and shared many stories of his memories with his family. In the early 1950s, Del founded Del’s Refrigeration Service, which is still run by his son today. He was an active member of American Legion Post 263 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 53, where he served as the Treasurer for many years. Del was always willing to help and enjoyed volunteering at the New London Senior Center and with the local Meals on Wheels program, delivering meals until his 90th birthday. In 2006, Del was recognized as the most admired Senior Citizen in Waupaca County. During retirement Del enjoyed fishing at the family cottage on the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes, woodworking, traveling, gardening, polka dancing, playing cards, bowling and nightly games of Tri-Ominos with Hazel. Del will be remembered for his love for his family, his story telling, and his willingness to help others with projects of any sort.
Del is survived by his wife of 72 years, Hazel, and children: Ken (Faye) Reinert, Oshkosh; Boni (Ed) Jungwirth, Appleton; Kathi (Bob) Lubinski, Seymour; Chuck (Becky) Otis, New London. He is further survived by grandchildren: Mike (Rosa) Reinert, San Antonio, TX; Linda (Bill) Turner, New Braunfelz, TX; Brenda (Greg) Roblee, Greenville; Scott Jungwirth, Larsen; Ryan (Hannah) Lubinski, Des Plaines, IL; Lindsey Lubinski, Milwaukee; Brent (Amanda) Otis, New London and Brad Otis, New London as well as great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Del was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Verlin, Marshall, Orland, and Harold Otis and sister Nonah Gagnow, as well as great-grandson Tyler Otis.
Funeral services for Del will be held on Monday, November 10, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London with Rev. Bill Heiges officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville. Full military graveside rites will be held. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2014 from 2-5 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London and also at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Dad, you were the most amazing, husband, father and grandfather. You shared your love for all of us to the very end. Some of your last words were “I love all you guys!” We’ll miss you, your family.