Otto Fredrick Woelk, 92, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away May 28, 2009, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Hot Springs.

Otto was born on the farm in Minot, ND, to Herman and Maria (Braun) Woelk on September 3, 1916. In 1920 the family moved to Tripp County, SD, where Otto completed 8th grade in country school. The family moved to the Flandreau area in 1935 where Otto worked on the family farm until he was inducted into the military.

Otto proudly served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre from February 12, 1942, until his honorable discharge on July 7, 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered during the invasion of Leyte Island in the Philippines.

Otto returned to Moody County and farming, later residing near Irene, SD. He retired to the SD State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.

Otto is survived by two sisters, Louise Nelson of Hot Springs; Erna (Jerome) Ziegenbalg of Brookings, SD; two brothers, Edward (Ruth) Woelk of Elvekum, Germany; George Woelk of Flandreau, SD, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at the Auditorium of the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs with Chaplain Loyd Nielson officiating. According to Otto's wishes, his body is being donated to the USD Medical School in Vermillion, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.