MADISON - Delbert A. “Del” Otis, age 87, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at St. Mary's Care Center. He was born on July 10, 1934, in Madison, Wis., the son of Bernice C. Otis.

Delbert attended Madison East High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine LaBelle, on April 11, 1953, in Madison. Delbert worked in the grocery business for many years. He worked for Kroger for 13 years and IGA for 10 years until 1983. He then went on to manage Famous Footwear Warehouse in Sun Prairie until 1996 when he retired.

Del enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He also liked cheering on the Packers.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Lorraine; five children, Randy (Cindy) Otis, Ritchie (Katherine) Otis, Rusty Otis, Suzette (Sigrid) Gotrik and Sherry L. Novotny; ten grandchildren, Jasen (Laura) Childs, Alyshia Childs, Andrew (Amy) Otis, Shane (Sara) Novotny, Shawna Kovacs, Maraina Otis, Skyler (Stephanie Strandlie) Novotny, Sean (Mai) Gotrik, Kai (Myka) Gotrik and Graham Otis; 11 great-grandchildren; five siblings, Roland (June) Julseth, James Otis, Darlene (Robert) Gugle, Charlene (Wayne) Forler and Darwin (Linda) Otis; and sister-in-law, Patricia Otis. He was preceded in death by his mother; two brothers, Wayne and David; son-in-law, Scott Novotny; and grandson-in-law, Edwin Kovacs.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Burial will be privately held at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Del was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace “Papa Smurf.”

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Delbert A. Otis

July 10, 1934 - March 01, 2022

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