Kermit Otterblad

Kermit L. Otterblad, 89, of Two Harbors, died Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors.

He was born April 24, 1925 to Emil and Linnea (Gronholm) Otterblad in Two Harbors where he was a life-long resident. After graduating from high school in 1943, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a ball gunner on a B-24 bomber in Italy. Kermit was especially proud of the 35 missions he flew during World War II. He worked in the family business, Otterblad Shoe Shop as an apprentice shoemaker, and tended bar at the Moose Lodge and VFW, and later worked for the US Postal Service for 30 years, retiring in 1990.

Kermit was a member of the United Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Loyal Order of Moose. He was also a long-time member of the Knife River Valley Club where he and his wife, Alice enjoyed dancing. Kermit also enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, and fast pitch softball. An avid follower of both Mariner and Agate athletics, Kermit rarely missed a game and loved watching his children and grandchildren through their high school and college sports careers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sister Alf, Oliver, and Evelyn Otterblad.

Kermit is survived by his wife, Alice; son, Larry (Joyce) of Silver Bay; daughter, Linda (Ronald) Evans of Duluth; grandchildren, Susan, Rhonda, Andrea, Tricia, Jamie, Mark, and Keith; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to especially thank Ecumen Scenic Shores and St. Luke's Hospice for their excellent care.

Services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at the United Church in Two Harbors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Two Harbors.