Otto E. Mackenthun

Obituary

Otto Edward Mackenthun Jr. was born on February 1, 1934, at home in Young America Township, Carver County, Minnesota. He was the son of Otto Sr. and Olga (Bergmann) Mackenthun. Otto was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota. He received his education through the 9^th grade at Emanuel Lutheran Parochial School in Hamburg and Central in Norwood Young America.

On August 12, 1954, Otto was united in marriage to Janice Kroells at St Paul's Evangelical Reformed Church in Hamburg. The couple was blessed with two children: Clayton and Karen. Otto and Janice shared over 71 years of marriage.

A lifelong farmer, Otto believed deeply in hard work and the value of a day spent in the fields. Farming was his way of life. Even after retirement, he could never quite stay away, often lending a helping hand to neighboring farmers during harvest. He was also a lifelong and devoted member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg. Over the years, he faithfully served his church community as cemetery sexton and trustee. He was an active member of the Lions Club, serving as president for 1 year, and was always ready to step up when something needed to be done.

Beyond his commitments, he loved to have fun and treasured time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, especially on bus tours, and looked forward to fishing trips to Canada. In his younger years, he enjoyed pheasant hunting, and later found great happiness taking his grandchildren for rides along on the Gator, creating memories they will always cherish.

Otto passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his home in Hamburg, at the age of 92 years and 18 days. Blessed be his memory.

Otto is survived by his
Wife, Janice Mackenthun of Hamburg, MN;
Children, Clayton Mackenthun and his wife, Trule, of Hamburg, MN, Karen Gebhardt and her husband, Craig, of Watkins, MN;
Grandchildren, Jason (Amy) Mackenthun, Jared (Jen) Mackenthun, Nicholas (Heather) Mackenthun, Kyle Gebhardt, Jesse Gebhardt, and Mitchell (Abby) Gebhardt;
Great-Grandchildren, Brianna Howk, Trent Mackenthun, Olivia Mackenthun, Tanner Mackenthun, Rhett Mackenthun;
Siblings, Harlan Mackenthun and his wife, Clarice, of Norwood Young America, MN, Marlene Kamps of Norwood Young America, MN;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Lowell (Pat) Kroells of Green Isle, MN, Richard (LaVonne) Kroells of Norwood Young America, MN, Janell Nielsen of Sparks, NV;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

Otto was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Otto Sr. and Olga Mackenthun; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Gustave and Lydia Kroells; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Orlin Kamps, Lowell (Eileen) Otto, Charles Nielsen, Scott (Mary Lou) Potter.