Roger Carlisle Otto was born on December 2, 1940 to Carl & Mildred Otto in Windom, Minnesota. Roger grew up in Windom & graduated from Windom HS. He was an avid athlete participating in football, basketball & track. After high school, Roger joined the Army & was stationed in Germany. Upon return he met Shirley Holmes. They married on January 12, 1963 & moved to the twin cities area. Together they celebrated 62 years of marriage. Roger & Shirley had 2 children, a daughter Kindra & son Matthew. Roger had active involvement in both children’s activities…soccer for Kindra, hockey for Matt.
Roger was a hard worker. He was ambitious in his career which moved from initially a power plant worker to eventually a successful sales director/VP in technology leasing. His jobs moved the family from Minneapolis suburbs to Tulsa, Oklahoma to Los Angeles to Chicago & back to Minnesota. Finally residing in Rosemount since 2004.
Roger was fond of nice cars. He owned quite a variety over the years & spent alot of time washing & polishing them to his liking. Shopping was another hobby of his. He had several unusual collections including spittoons, walking sticks & political decanters. Roger & Shirley were Minnesota Vikings fans having season tickets for some 40 years. And of course, traveling to visit children & grandchildren was something he really enjoyed.
Roger continued to stay active with daily exercising & walks at the mall with Shirley. He was particular about organization & his attention to detail was evident until the end.
Roger suffered a devastating stroke & 5 days later died on May 19, 2025. He was 84 years old. He will be deeply missed!
He is preceded in death by his parents Carl & Mildred Otto & sister Janice Dalluge. Survived by wife Shirley; daughter Kindra Thomas & husband Toby of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son Matthew Otto & wife Pam of Agoura Hills, California; grandchildren Jacob, Zachary, Connor, Caven, Spencer & Kate; sister MaryAnn Anderson & brother Terry Otto & wife Deb plus multiple nieces & nephews.
Private family services are planned through Starkson Family services, Henry W.Anderson Mortuary in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
