Otto F. Mehl's Obituary
Otto F. Mehl, 93, of Big Rapids passed away following a brief illness Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born May 6, 1919, in Big Rapids, the son of Otto E. and Elsie (Schroeder) Mehl, and was a lifetime resident here. During World War II, Otto served with the U.S. Army in the 10th Armored Division. Following his discharge, he returned to Big Rapids, and worked for Denham Manufacturing from 1950 to 1970. He then worked at Ferris State College until his retirement in 1981. Otto was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. Always an avid fisherman, he knew all the hot spots on the area lakes and rivers, but his favorite way to fish remained sitting on the ice. In retirement, he became an accomplished woodcrafter, known especially for gadgets and children's toys, which he delighted in giving away. His deep faith in God, his enduring strength, and his devotion to family and friends was admired by many. He will be greatly missed. In 1942, he married Dorothy June Older, who preceded him in death in 2007. Otto is survived by his son John of Sacramento, CA; his daughter Norma Racey Oren and her husband Con of Jackson; son-in-law Tom DePew of Big Rapids; daughter-in-law Terri Cahill Mehl of Sacramento; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; his sister Gertrude (Butch) Bullock of Mt. Vernon, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Otto was also preceded in death by his daughter Bonnie DePew, his son-in-law John Racey; brothers Louis, Karl, John, Gerald, and Paul, and his sisters Margaret Timmreck and Ruth Hollenbeck. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2013 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, with Rev. John Bookshaw officiating. Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions for St. Peter's Church may be left at the Mohnke Funeral Home, where Otto's family will greet friends today (Thursday) from 5-7 p.m., and after 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.
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