Otto Jay Walth (65), Max, died on Monday, June 3rd, 2019. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Max. Burial will be held at 3:30 pm at Rosehill Cemetery in Minot.
Otto was born April 6th, 1954 in Wishek, North Dakota to Otto K. and Lillian (Brown) Walth. His only brother, Howard came along 9 years later. After graduation from Wishek High School, Otto served his country for 4 ½ years with the United States Air Force as a Radio Relay Equipment Repairman spending most of his enlistment at Tinker Air Force Base near Oklahoma City. Otto then served as a police officer in Watford City before serving the citizens of McLean County as a Sheriff's Deputy for 37 years working nights most of the time.
Otto married Patti, the love of his life on May 16th, 1981. They were married for 22 years. Patti died in November of 2003 and Otto was never quite the same again.
Otto had several unique talents. He was a licensed private pilot and owned a Cessna 182 airplane. Otto was an amateur radio operator, licensed as an "Amateur Extra". His call sign was KB0VOB and he was able to send and receive Morse Code at 20 words per minute. He served as an Authorized Volunteer Examiner before his key went silent. Otto also built his own "Heathkit" testing equipment that he used to repair vehicles and was a skilled welder. Otto dabbled in several side businesses, but he loved fireworks and was a member of the Pyrotechnics Gild International and participated in many of their conventions. He shared his love of fireworks with the community and anyone who showed interest.
Otto was known as a nice guy and had a very kind heart. Some of his favorite times were spent volunteering with the Salvation Army cooking and serving Thanksgiving dinners. He would go out of his way to help any of his friends or anyone in need.
Otto was preceded in death by his wife, Patti, his parents, grandparents and several aunts and uncles. He leaves his bother Howard, sister-in-law Sheri, nephews Alex, Jordan and Ryan, his Aunt Florence Nemitz, his Uncle Gordon and Aunt Darlene Walth, and several cousins.
The last few years have been difficult for Otto, and on his behalf heartfelt gratitude is extend to his family dressed in brown at the McLean County Sheriff's Department. Also, the team of caregivers at CHI St. Alexius Health, both in Garrison and Bismarck, especially the KDU, PCU, ICU & Surgical floors as well as the so-very-kind UND Family Practice residents.
Otto was a private person with a few close friends who helped him out on a daily basis, sometimes with daunting tasks. Your kindness towards Otto has not gone unnoticed and you are most certainly appreciated.