Otto J. Brennecke, 87

Otto J. Brennecke, 87, resident of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away March 22, 2014.

Otto was born September 25, 1926, to Ernest and Cora Brennecke in Watertown, Wis. His first eight years were spent in North Dakota, north of McIntosh, S.D. The family moved to Post Falls, Idaho, in 1934. Otto grew up helping his parents in the "76" service station, auto parts and grocery store on the corner of McGuire and Seltice Way (Old Highway 10). He attended McGuire grade school, Post Falls High School, and North Idaho Junior College.

Otto enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school. He was sent to Shepherd Field in Texas for basic training, and qualified for Cadets. His company was dispatched to Lowry Field, in Denver, Colo. When the war ended, he was discharged and joined the Reserves at Felts Field in Spokane, Wash.

Otto married Ruth Carlile on Dec. 24, 1949, and they were together 64 years. They owned and operated the 76 service station at McGuire for 25 years. Otto was a rural mail carrier for the USPS in Post Falls for 25 years, retiring in 1988.

Otto and Ruth enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and traveling. Otto bowled and horseshoed locally and in tournaments, twice winning the Senior State Bowling Tournament. He attended the World Bowling Tournaments in Mobile, Ala., and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother, Elmer Brennecke. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Rathdrum; two sons, one daughter-in-law, and two daughters: Gary and Leigh Brennecke, Cody Brennecke, Jane Robinson, and June Witt; seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Sonny, Matthew, and Kevin Robinson, Timothy and Jonathan Brennecke, and Elizabeth Witt; and his sister, Evelyn Watson, of Post Falls.

Otto's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m.,Saturday, March 29, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls. The family suggests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to Hospice House of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene. Please sign Otto’s guest registry and view the online obituary atwww.englishfuneralchapel.com