Otto H. Pfeiffer, age 92, of Andover,  Minnesota peacefully passed away March 7, 2023 into the loving arms of Jesus.

Born in 1930 to Ernest and Martha (Kunz) Pfeiffer of New Ulm, Minnesota where they raised five children: Ewald, Ernie, Carlie, Walter and Otto. Otto was the youngest and last surviving member.

He attended Saint Paul's Lutheran School and New Ulm Public School where he was awarded the Harry Dirks Award.

After enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Otto became an active member of the New Ulm National Guard Armory. It was during his time at Fort (Camp) Rucker he met his future wife Dorothy Ann of Dothan, Alabama. Otto was an active and lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Association and Veterans of Foreign War.  Otto volunteered for the New Ulm Fire and Rescue as well as setting up local shelters for the Federal Civil Defense Act. Otto was involved in body building competition and was awarded "Mr. New Ulm" for his outstanding muscular physique.

To survive on his own at a young age, Otto quickly learned a variety of skills. While working at the New Ulm Lyric Theatre, he soon recognized he possessed, "a God-given talent for art".  He later started his own business "Otto's Sign Service" hand-lettering signs for the majority of the local businesses in and around New Ulm. Otto, a proud citizen of his hometown, became the youngest elected Mayor of New Ulm.

Ambitious with a strong desire to improve his artistic talent, Otto attended numerous art classes in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. He offered art classes from his home studio as well as a framing business.

Art was Otto's passion and he became proficient in painting portraits. He studied under John Howard Sanden's Portrait Institute in New York City. He also was invited by Norman Rockwell into his personal studio in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Otto was commissioned for hundreds of people and pet portraits.

After moving to Andover, Minnesota in the early 1980's, he was hired by the Carlton Celebrity Room to draw -in-person- the portraits of the celebrities. For decades, he operated a booth at the Minnesota State Fair drawing sketches of people. He also painted murals. One of his greatest joys was the massive mural he painted behind the alter at Cross of Christ Church in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Utilizing his self-taught carpentry skills, Otto himself built each of the three homes he lived in.

During his elder years, Otto became an active member of Hope Lutheran Church.

Special thank you to Pastor David Russow of Hope Lutheran Church Andover, Minnesota and congregation member Nancy Swenson.

Otto is survived by his son John Pfeiffer of New Ulm, MN, daughter Tammy Evans and son-in-law Steve Evans of Mill Creek, Washington as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.