Dr. Gregory Otto

Gregory Christian Otto was born December 13, 1949, in St. Paul, MN. He was the son of Raymond G. and Alice Ann (Zinniel) Otto. Greg was the oldest of 9 children. His family moved to Marshall, MN when he was an infant. Greg was baptized and attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Grade School in Marshall. He then attended Marshall High School, graduating in 1967. While in high school, he was active in football, wrestling, and high school rodeo. Greg was the captain of wrestling team and was the Southwest Minnesota heavy weight wrestling in champion ‘66 and ’67. He was the District 9 and Region 3 high school heavy weight champion and competed in the state wrestling tournament in both ‘66 and ‘67.

Greg was the 1967 Minnesota high school state champion steer wrestler and a 3-time NHSRA qualifier. Throughout his high school career, Greg won various awards and competitions.

Greg attended SWSC in Marshall, Minnesota where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology 1972. He worked summers for McLaughlin and Schulz Construction while attending school. He was the captain of the college wrestling team and a member of the NIRA rodeo association.

He earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, graduating in 1976.

Upon graduation Greg joined Valley Vision Clinic in Grand Forks where he practiced for 45 years. He was active in state and local Junior Chamber (Jaycees) and the Lions Club.

In 1979, Greg married Wendy Bourcy. They were blessed with their 3 children, Mathew, Meghan, and Andrew. Greg showed his children how to enjoy the outdoors through hunting, fishing, camping, and rodeo. In 1984, he began a family tradition of hunting deer and elk in western ND, and the Missouri Breaks in MT. In his later years, his grandkids became his biggest joy.

Greg was a hard-working self-made man. He had many talents including his dry humor, and wit that was not always appreciated by all. He was honest, selfless, and loved life.  Family was very important to him. It didn’t matter what they were doing, as long as they were together.

Greg is survived by his wife, Wendy; children: Mathew (Jessie) Otto, Meghan (Andy) Emard, Andrew (Molly) Otto; grandchildren Cyreonna, Cedar, Sloan Otto, Adyn, Isaac, Ethan Emard, Sterling, Rowdy, and Blaisy Otto; siblings: Bill (Terri) Otto, Barb Otto, Susan (Neil) Siverson, Mary Otto, Raymond Otto, and Pat (Tammi) Otto and many other family members.

He was preceded in death his parents, and younger siblings Paul and Kristen.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 16, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Thompson Community Center, Thompson, ND.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 15, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the start of the service at the community center.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred the Thompson Volunteer Fire Department, 490 21st St NE, Thompson, ND 58278.