Arlin E. Otteman, age 90, of Lake View, Iowa, formerly of Sac City, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2008, at his home in Lake View.

He was born January 29, 1918, in rural Albert City, the son of William C. Otteman and Mary K. (Sievers) Otteman. He was baptized, confirmed and married in St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Albert City.

Arlin was united in marriage to Shirley I. Nichols, daughter of Henry and Mabel Nichols of Sac City, on September 28, 1941. To this union were born five children: Karen, Jolene, Larry, Shari and William.

In September of 1938 he came to Sac City to work in both the funeral home and furniture store for A. G. Neal. Arlin graduated from embalming school in 1940 as valedictorian of the class. Mr. Neal passed away very suddenly in 1943. He had asked Arlin to join him in the business as a partner beginning in January of 1944. Mrs. Neal knew his wishes and helped Charles Farber and Arlin to begin Farber & Otteman in October 1943. Mr. Farber sold his interest in the furniture store to his son, Paul, and retired from the funeral business in 1964.

He married Shirley Nichols in September 1941 and they had five children, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. In the family are two doctors, one nurse, one kindergarten teacher and an executive with State Farm Insurance. Shirley worked side by side with Arlin, living in the funeral home from 1964 until they moved to Arlington Apartments in 1972. Shirley was responsible for rearing the children, and answering the telephone and front door. Arlin gave up much family time, but made up for it in the later years.

In 1980 three partners joined the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home organization namely Ronald Nelson, Roderick Sorensen and J. Richard Seger. There was also one other licensed funeral director, Alan Kruthoff, of Lake View. The furniture business was sold in 1996 and the funeral business was sold to Nathan and Nancy Jensen of Storm Lake in 2001. At that time Farber & Otteman Funeral Home had funeral homes in Sac City, Lake View, Wall Lake, Odebolt, Schaller, Storm Lake and Newell. The licensed men stayed with the firm. Arlin was very dedicated to the funeral business and was actively involved for nearly 70 years, and was perhaps one of the oldest funeral directors in Iowa that continued to participate in the business.

Arlin was a long-time member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sac City. He belonged to the following organizations for 60 years or more: American Legion, Sac City Chamber, and received recognition from the Iowa Funeral Directors Association for being a member for 60 years.

Survivors included his children: Karen Seymour and husband Lon of Holly Springs, NC; Jolene Baker of Ames, IA; Dr. Larry Otteman and wife Carole Ann of Ames, IA; Shari Otteman of San Jose, CA; and Dr. William Otteman and wife Ann of Maquoketa, IA; nine grandchildren: Wendi (Steve) Younker and their children Kaitlin and Kyle of Mason City, IA; Matthew (Kim) Seymour and their children Abby and Emma of Woodstock, IL; Darren (Yoly) Baker and their son Indiana of Homestead, FL; Dr. Alec (Andrea) Otteman of Iowa City, IA; Andrea Otteman of Northridge, CA; Jeremy Del Re of San Jose, CA; Joshua (Maria) Larson of Philadelphia, PA; Jacob (Amber) Larson and their son Luke of Dundee, MI; Jason Larson of Iowa City, IA; several nieces and nephews and many cousins. He is also survived by his special friend, Bonnie L. Peters of Lake View; sister Ranona (Clifford) Baak of Newell, IA; and sister-in-law Meda Otteman of Storm Lake, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley who passed away in 2002; brother Delwin; and sister Dorthe and her husband Gerald Mernin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 25th at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sac City. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery with a flag presentation by the Sac City American Legion and V.F.W. The Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Saturday, February 23rd, and from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 24th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.