Larry Otto of Ellendale died unexpectedly at his home Saturday night. He was 73.

Otto was elected in July as chaplain of the Minnesota American Legion. He

said at the time that although he does get emotional, he doesn’t cry, his eyeballs just sweat profusely.

He said his one main goal in life was to, through whatever means, help the world understand that “there’s a heavenly Father up there who loves them.”

Otto was a member of the Ellendale American Legion, Post 296 for 51 years. He also served as chaplain for District 1, which serves 10 counties in southeastern Minnesota. Also, in Ellendale he was a member of the Community Foundation of Ellendale group.

Otto regularly dedicated and donated his time and energy to improving the lives around him in addition to the community. Over the years Otto has been mentioned in numerous Star Eagle articles, photos and snip-its. Most recently, he led the Ellendale Memorial Day program.

Otto is survived by his wife Emily, two children and seven grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.