Arthur Otto

Arthur Edward Otto, 69, suffered from a stroke on Dec. 21, 2014 and passed away surrounded by his family on Dec. 23, 2014.

Art was the second child born to William and Muriel (Hass) Otto on Sept. 27, 1945. He was raised in Havre, where he excelled in school and mastered the trumpet. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.

He served in the Navy as an officer during the Vietnam War. Aboard ship during a night watch, the idea of going to vet school was born, and upon discharge he worked on a cattle ranch in northern Montana to further explore the thought.

Art graduated from veterinary school in Fort Collins, Colorado, and did an internship in New Jersey before returning to Montana where he opened his own clinic in Kalispell. He wrote a column for the Hungry Horse News for several years.

He retired in 2008. In retirement, Art enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, and spending time with his family.

Art was preceded in death by his sister Patty, son David, and parents William and Muriel Otto.

He is survived by his wife Debbie; children Joshua and fiance Erin Galvez, of El Paso, son Gabriel and wife Charlotte, of Denver, son Paul, of Kalispell, daughter Katie and husband Jimmy McElroy, of Billings, and daughter Christine and husband Kashawn Miller, of Kalispell; and grandchildren Shaelyn and Kendrick Miller, of Kalispell, and Jayce and Brynn McElroy, of Billings.

A memorial service will be held at Central Bible Church, 902 First Avenue East, in Kalispell, on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at 11 a.m.

Art would want memorials sent to Gideon’s International or to a local animal shelter.