Otho D. & Mary R. Urbantke

Memorial services celebrating the lives of Otho D. and Mary R. Urbantke will be held at 12:30 P.M., October 30, 2004 at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Mr. Urbantke died October 10, 2004 at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, Davenport. Mrs. Urbantke preceded him in death on July 20, 2001. Burial will be in Oakdale Memorial Gardens, Davenport, following the service. Memorials may be made to the Scott County Humane Society.
Otho was born on March 10, 1931 in Rowena, Texas, the son of Daniel Edmund & Esta Marie (Behrens) Urbantke. He had served in the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve during the Korean Conflict. He was primarily employed as a Rig Superintendent in the Oil industry for 30 years throughout the world, and had been employed most recently as a driver for Security Express in Southern California. Otho move to Eldridge in 2001 to live with his daughter and her family. He enjoyed gardening, particularly tomatoes and roses.
Otho was able to spend many hours enjoying the company of his grandson, William, that he loved beyond words. Even though he had lost both legs in 2001, he was very independent and was able to do many of the things he loved. Many people were inspired by his determination and accomplishments. He was also fond of his pets, “Tippi” the cat and “Nick” the dog.
Otho was united in marriage to Mary Ruth Butsch on February 23, 1972 in Anaheim, California.
Mary was born on October 6, 1928 in Crossville, Illinois to William & Elsie Butsch. She spent many years in the restaurant industry. She earned her business degree in 1964. After marrying in 1972, she started her own business as a wedding and party planner. Mary loved her home and family. She was a master seamstress who was able to sketch then make any article of clothing. She also enjoyed home decorating and crafts. Mary was an avid Los Angeles Lakers fan, never missing a televised game.
Those left to honor Otho and Mary’s memory include their daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Bill Reid; their grandson, William Reid, all of Eldridge; his sister, Florene Freeland and her husband, Nelson, Wichita Falls, Texas; his Brother James and his wife, Sharon, San Angelo, Texas; several nieces and nephews and beloved friends.
Otho and Mary were preceded in death by their parents, her son, William E. McClusky; her sister, Lucy; and by his sisters, Bernice and Lucille.
The family would like to express special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the SICU at Genesis East for all their care and concern during Otho’s Illness.