David Otto, 76

Longtime Post Falls resident David C. “Dave” Otto, 76, died peacefully on Jan. 7, 2016, at the Hospice House of North Idaho after a prolonged illness. Born in Bremerton, Wash., on July 26, 1939, Dave grew up in the Pacific Northwest, also living in Tacoma and Parkland.

His stepfather Al, a mechanic, imparted in Dave a lifelong appreciation for cars and racing, visible as the teenaged Dave drag-raced around Western Washington. After graduating from Franklin Pierce High School in Parkland in 1957, Dave proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1962. In 1963, he completed a four-year apprenticeship in electronics at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

During this time, Dave met and married a young nursing student named Marilyn Wright, who he frequently described as “the most beautiful woman in the world.” Dave and Marilyn moved to Ventura, Calif., in 1965 where Dave worked as a Weapons System Engineer at the Naval Ship Missile Engineering Station, Port Hueneme. During their time in Ventura, Dave and Marilyn joyously welcomed their only child, a daughter, Wendy. Over the years Dave’s career took the family to Annapolis, Md., back to Ventura, to Albuquerque, N.M., then to Camarillo, Calif., where Dave ended his prestigious engineering career at the Naval Surface Weapons Center PHD, back in Port Hueneme. After retirement he consulted for Potomac Research Corporation.

In 1994, Dave and Marilyn returned to their Pacific Northwest roots, moving to Post Falls. Dave’s love of the outdoors and the beauty of North Idaho inspired him to spend his leisure time fly fishing, golfing and exploring the region’s mountains, rivers and lakes. He was an actively involved member of the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Coeur d’Alene, serving on the Vestry as Junior Warden and Senior Warden. A member of the St. Luke’s Men’s Group and a legendary breakfast cook, Dave especially enjoyed his duties as head chef for the group’s Pancake Dinners. Another favorite activity with the St. Luke Men’s Group was fishing with kids from St. Vincent’s Transitional Housing. The group bought fishing poles for the kids and took them to the Falls Park in Post Falls for fishing in the pond, followed by barbecuing hot dogs for lunch. Dave also served as a member of the St. Luke’s Columbarium Committee that oversaw the creation of a garden and memorial area on the church property for the permanent preservation of the cremated ashes of congregation members.

During his retirement years, Dave’s rich life included extensive travel with Marilyn, family and their many friends. Together they took cruises in Hawaii and Alaska and visited Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Germany, Austria, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, India and Morocco.

Along with Marilyn, his beloved wife of 55 years, his adored daughter, Wendy Lloyd and son-in-law, Robin Lloyd of Boston, Mass, Dave is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Lessie and Ron Auletti of Sequim, Wash.; his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Barbara (Strong) Valenta of Las Vegas, Nev.; his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Darcel (Cole) Valenta of North Hollywood, Calif.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Margaret and Darwin Herring of Richland, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood Otto, Mabel Siron and Albert Valenta; and also by his brother, Steve Valenta.

A memorial and celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 501 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, with Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, in care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835, or to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 501 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. You may visit Dave’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.