OTTO GEORGE BLAKESTAD

Otto George Blakestad, the only son of Gullick and Ingebor Blakestad, was born August 10th, 1879, on the farm north of Otranto, which his grandfather homesteaded in the spring of 1854 and where Otto lived all his life, and passed away very peacefully on August 24th at the age of 63 years and 14 days.

He was baptized in infancy and when he received the proper instructions he was confirmed in Mona Lutheran church, of which he was a life member.

He received his elementary education at the Otranto High School, after which he took two years of advanced work at the Seminary at Nora Springs, Iowa.

On August 20th, 1902, he was united in marriage to Bessie G. Hanson. They were privileged to observe their 40th Wedding anniversary a week ago. To the union was born five children, all of whom are living:

Sophus of Northwood, Iowa
Grace Heard, Detroit Lakes Minn
Beatrice Chisholm, Tacoma, Wash
Norman Blakestad, Otranto, Ia
Loreen Grube, Waverly, Iowa
Otto was deeply interested in his church and community, having served on the Otranto Board of Education for many years.

Due to a spine injury many years ago, a progressive nerve condition developed that made getting about more and more difficult. He was advised at medical clinics that there was nothing they could do for him, and that he would have to be a friend of his disease. Knowing this, he adjusted his life accordingly and through these years has maintained a most unusual cheerful attitude which has been an inspiration to his immediate family as well as many relatives and friends.

He leaves to mourn: his wife, five children, 6 grandchildren, his sister, Laura Buringrud and a host of relatives and friends. One granddaughter preceded him in death, Dec. 1940.