Robert "Bob" Carl Otkin

March 10, 1931 - August 11, 2020

Robert “Bob” Otkin, age 89, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at the nursing home in the Hendricks Community Hospital. A Private Memorial Service will take place at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall on Friday, August 21, 2020. A live stream of the event will be available beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Robert “Bob” Carl Otkin was born to LaVerne Otkin on March 10, 1931, in Pipestone, Minnesota. He grew up with his grandparents, Carl and Lena Otkin, on a farm near Verdi, Minnesota. Bob attended country and public schools in the Verdi area. On August 31, 1951, Bob was united in marriage to Joyce Ripley at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they lived and worked near Pipestone for two years. After renting farms by Verdi, Lake Benton, and Ward, Bob and Joyce purchased their farm southwest of Verdi in 1962. For several years, Bob worked part-time at the Hollyhock Ballroom in Hatfield while he farmed, milked cows, and raised livestock. Bob and Joyce also owned and operated the B & J Café in Ward, South Dakota for two years. After 37 years, Bob retired from farming and, after a short time, started working at Clipper’s Septic Service in Verdi. In 1990, Bob and Joyce moved to their home at Lake Cochrane near Gary, South Dakota. He continued working at Clipper's for several years while living at the lake. In 2014, Bob and Joyce moved to Elkton, South Dakota and then to Marshall, Minnesota in 2019. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed dancing, snowmobiling, and playing cards. He loved spending time with his family and pulled many skiers with his boat while living at the lake. He always made sure everything was ready for the grandkids to have fun when they came to visit. Bob had a good sense of humor and will be remembered for his quick wit. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Bob passed away on August 11, 2020 at the age of 89 years, 5 months, and one day. Blessed be his memory. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Otkin of Marshall; children, Randy (Sherie) Otkin of Eden Valley, Linda (Dan) Wagner of Sioux Falls, SD, Connie (David) Miller of Lakeville, Rhonda (Byron) Pagel of Marshall, Craig (Jackie) Otkin of Verdi, Janelle (Mike) Olson of Farmington; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents; mother; step-father, Mike Raatz; sisters, Diane Sellman, Kathy Kepler; brother, Dennis Raatz; brothers-in-law, Rick Sellman, Dennis Kepler; family he grew up with as brothers and sisters, Gladys, Arlene, Lucille, Millie, Kenny, Melvin, Norman, Milo, and Don; grandchildren, Karlena Cahalan and Ryan Miller; along with other family and friends. Condolences and cards may be sent to Joyce and family in care of Hill Street Place (401 South Hill Street, Marshall, MN 56258).