BREAKING NEWS: State Legion chaplain dies in Ellendale

The chaplain for the Minnesota American Legion has died.

Larry Otto of Ellendale died unexpectedly at his home Saturday night. He was 73.

Otto was elected last July as chaplain of the Minnesota American Legion. After being elected, Otto said: “I do get emotional, but I don't cry. My eyeballs just sweat profusely.”

In November, Otto told the Steele County Times in an interview that he had one main goal: “Maybe, through my writing or through my prayers, that somebody would come to the understanding that there’s a heavenly Father up there who loves them.”

In addition to being the state chaplain, Otto was a member of Ellendale Post 296. He also served as chaplain for District 1, which serves 10 counties in southeastern Minnesota.

Otto is survived by his wife Emily, two children and seven grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.