Delbert "Debs" L. Otto, 88, of Tulare, SD, died Saturday, April 04, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Redfield, SD. His funeral will be Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Tulare United Church. Reverend Deb Mack will officiate at the church service. Burial will be in the Tulare Cemetery in Tulare with Reverend Todd Bowers officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Delbert was born July 21, 1920 in Tulare to Walter and Anna (Ernster) Otto. He attended country school and graduated from Tulare High School. He attended Frye Aircraft School in Omaha, NE and later worked there for a few years. Delbert married Mildred Haag March 1, 1941 in Minnesota. Delbert served in the United States Army-Air Force during World War II, overseas, in the Saipan area, from 1943-1945. After his discharge, he returned to Tulare where Debs and Mildred farmed for many years. Debs worked for Tulare Oil, later South Dakota Wheat Growers, as a bulk oil delivery driver for seventeen years. After his retirement, he worked for the city of Tulare and as a janitor at the Tulare School. He drove school bus for many years, before and after his retirement.

Delbert was a member of the Tulare Lions Club, VFW of Redfield, American Legion of Tulare and the Tulare United Church.

Debs enjoyed woodworking, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Delbert's wife Mildred was the love of his life and they truly enjoyed spending their time with each other.

Delbert is survived by his wife, of sixty-eight years, Mildred of Tulare, their children: Randy (Carol) Otto and Peggy (Tom) Kuck both of Aberdeen. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Scott (Monica) Kuck, Kristi (Bill) Pelegrin, Tim (Kristin) Kuck, Dan (Michel) Otto and Kari (Mark) Naughton and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, an infant son Rodney, brother Darold, sister Betty French and a great granddaughter Sarah B. Kuck.