Mark Otto, 64 of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at MercyOne Healthcare in Sioux City, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

His family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfhl.com .

Mark Ronnie Otto was born on May 15, 1956 in Key West, Florida to Ronald and Carol (Morehouse) Otto. Mark was so very proud to call himself a 'conch' – a person who is born in Florida! Mark's family moved to Pequot Lakes, Minnesota when he was only six months old. In 1958, they moved to Mankato, Minnesota. Mark attended Mankato East High School and graduated in 1974. Mark began working as an accountant for Madsen's Food Stores and then became the frozen dairy manager at Madsen's, which later became Cub Foods. In 1990, he was transferred to Cub Foods in Sioux City, Iowa. After Cub Foods closed, he then became the assistant manager at Walmart in Sioux City and in 2003 he transferred to Walmart in Le Mars, Iowa.

Mark was united in marriage to Dawn (Maack) Hansen on October 23, 2010 in Sioux City, Iowa.  In 2013, Mark and Dawn fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. They owned a bed and breakfast in Ely, Minnesota for four years before moving back to be closer to family. They moved back to Sioux Falls where Mark began working at Shopko. After Shopko closed, he began working at Walmart in Sioux Falls and in March 2020, he transferred back to Walmart in Sioux City.

In his younger days, Mark loved playing slow pitch softball; he traveled with his team all over the Midwest! He loved all sports: football, basketball, but especially baseball. He cheered on the Minnesota Gophers, Twins, and Chicago Cubs. Every opening day was celebrated by wearing an oversized baseball mascot head and drinking a Grain Belt beer. Dressing up for holidays and events was a favorite of his! He absolutely loved Christmas and had many Christmas outfits including: elf tights, candy cane Converse shoes, and Christmas sweaters covered in holiday décor and flamingos! Mark dressed up for not only the holidays, but in support of awareness for different organizations and foundations. His collection of outfits also included over 54 pairs of converse sneakers, several of which had matching pairs to other family members.

Mark had such a love and passion for life. Retail was the perfect industry for him, he loved being around and meeting new people. He loved having personal conversations and telling stories; he had a story for every occasion. He enjoyed making others happy, especially those who he loved. His family meant the world to him and he loved the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and other family members. He loved being 'Papa' and 'Uncle Mark'.  He loved watching baseball with his nephew Miles and sharing an extra chocolatey dessert with his niece, Norah. They went on many adventures together and one of their favorite memories was taking a road trip to chase a beautiful sunset. Mark loved playing cars with his grandson, Landrik and cuddling with his granddaughter, Lyla. Mark was also a good cook and enjoyed being adventurous in his cooking. He was always trying new foods and recipes to share with his family or finding new restaurants with unique cuisines. Mark had an extensive book collection and he loved to read and take photos. Mark really enjoyed fly fishing and ice fishing. He also volunteered for the Special Olympics and Relay For Life.

Mark is survived by his wife, Dawn; his beloved dogs, Monroe and Oliver; daughter, Megan Hansen of Le Mars and her dog, Cosbie; son, Travis (Serena) Hansen of Le Mars, their children, Landrik and Lyla, and their dog, Gotham; daughter, Caron (John Rupp) Otto of Eagan, Minnesota and their daughter, Delaney; son, Craig Otto of Minneapolis, Minnesota; mother, Carol Otto of Mankato, Minnesota; sister, Denise (Brian Conner) Lauerman of Boise, Idaho; mother in law, Sue Maack; special friends, Tom and Wanda Schroeder; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Otto; maternal and paternal grandparents; his dog, Ziggy; and his granddog, Charlye.