Otis A. Mehlberg Sr., of Shawano, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, peacefully at home. He was born in Shawano on June 8, 1928, to the late William R. and Amanda (Kobskie) Mehlberg. Otis grew up in Shawano, living above the Mehlberg Bakery and helping his family with the day-to-day operations. He graduated from Shawano High School where he excelled in multiple sports. He was given a football scholarship to Valparaiso University in Indiana where he set many school records and was named “Little All American” running back.
Otis went on to earn his master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin. Otis served in the military during the Korean War conflict. He was united in marriage to Carol Cherry, who preceded him in death in 1977. In 1979, Otis again found love and was united in marriage to Joanne Uzabel Riordan in Stevens Point. Otis worked as a teacher and a coach in Tomahawk and Stevens Point. He was employed by the state of Wisconsin in the Department of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education until retiring. He is a member of the Shawano Sports High School Hall of Fame.
Otis is survived by his wife, Joanne; his children, Allan (Judy) Mehlberg, William Mehlberg, Susan Niello, Kenneth Mehlberg, Anne (Jeff) Shomberg and Otis (Tamra) Mehlberg Jr.; Joanne’s children, John Riordan, Margaret (Timothy) Rentmeester, Matthew (Paula) Riordan and Daniel (Dawn) Riordan; 22 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with the Rev. Mark Drengler officiating. Private family inurnment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to St. James Lutheran School or ThedaCare at Home Hospice.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
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