Otto Hula, 98, passed from this life on March 31, 2014. Otto was born on March 10, 1916 to Joseph and Johanna Petrik Hula in Irving, Kansas. He attended school in a rural school southeast of Medford. Otto married Grace Thomas on August 10, 1941 in Enid, OK. They began their married life on a farm north of Medford. They then moved to a farm southeast of Medford where he resided until his death. He is a member of the First Christian Church and a 75 year member of the WFLA Lodge. Otto was a carpenter for over 27 years. He built many houses in Caldwell, Kansas, Medford and surrounding areas. He was also a wheat farmer and raised livestock his entire life. Otto was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one sister, Emma and three brothers, Joe Hula and wife Lynn, John Hula and wife Emma, and Adolph Hula.
He is survived by his three children Roland and Jo Hula, Medford; Allen and Marilyn DeLay, Mt. Vernon, Missouri; and Gary and Melissa Hula, Enid. Grandchildren include Karla Hula, Choctaw, Oklahoma; Alyssa Morgan and husband Jon, Medford; Brad DeLay and wife Cathy, Mt. Vernon, Missouri; Jason DeLay and wife Rebecca, Mt. Vernon, Missouri; Melissa Billings and husband Chris, Gardner, Kansas; Austin and Macy Hula, Stillwater. Great-grandchildren include Adam and Drew Bradshaw, Heather Rice and husband Zach, Christopher DeLay, Abby and Jenna DeLay, and Cole and Caeley Billings and Paityn Morgan. Emma Rice is his great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Irene Hula and Maxine Thomas.
Otto's celebration of life will be held at the First Christian Church in Medford on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Craig VanDeburgh officiating. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Medford. Viewing will be held at Lanman Funeral Home, 108 West Cherokee beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. with family present 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Memorials may be made in his name to the First Christian Church of Medford through the funeral home.