|
Rudolph F. Otero. The day was long, the burden I had borne seemed heavier than I could longer bear, and then it lifted-but I did not know some one had knelt in prayer. Had taken me to God that very hour, and asked the easing of the load, and He, in infinite compassion, had stooped down and taken it from me. Rudolph Fred Otero of Albuquerque passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2002. He was born on November 5, 1920 in San Rafael, Valencia County, NM to his parents, the late Amado L. Otero and Premia Mirabal Otero. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Fannie S. Otero and by his children, Rosalie C. Otero, David L. Otero, his wife, Dorinda, all of Albuquerque and Margaret Ann Otero-Keiser of Rio Rancho. Survivors also include three brothers, Arthur L. Otero of San Francisco, CA; Amado E. Otero, his wife, Lala, of Albuquerque; and Dan L. Otero of Phoenix, AZ and three sisters, Evangeline Otero Murphy of Tucson, AZ; Margaret Otero Kunkel, her husband, Wayne, of Albuquerque and Ann Otero C De Baca, her husband, Leroy, of Albuquerque. Rudy is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Michael Arthur and Carlos J. Otero and Andrea Ellen Otero-Benoit all of Denver, CO; Jeffrey M. Naranjo of Española, Kevin J. Otero, Anna Christina Yurcic, Jeremy F. Keiser and Derrick L. Keiser all of Albuquerque. Rudy's close-knit family includes numerous nieces and nephews and his only surviving aunt, Viola McBride, as well as his loving Godchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Rudolph was predeceased by his eldest son, Rudy Otero, Jr. in 1994 and by his brother, Robert Charles Otero in 1996 as well as by his beloved parents-in-law, David and Teresina Struck of Taos, New Mexico. Rudy was a faithful member of Risen Savior Catholic Community where he loved and appreciated his many friends there and the very special Spanish choir at the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Rudy served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific and the Philippines Liberation Ribbons and the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon his discharge from the service as a disabled veteran, he went to work with the New Mexico State Labor Dept. where he served for 38 years as a popular member of the management staff until his retirement. Among his hobbies were hunting and fishing, and local and state politics where he actively campaigned for his favorite candidates. Rudy was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as the State Commander and served three terms as Post 5610 Commander. He also held other offices during his lifetime and received the VFW National Distinguished Service Award three consecutive years. He attended veteran's conferences throughout the country, including 26 consecutive years to Washington, D. C. lobbying Congress for veterans' benefits. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the AMVETS organizations, devoting untiring efforts to help with job training, hospitalization, pension and assistance to families. Rudy was Chairman of Jobs for Veteran Chapter in Albuquerque. He was named All-American Commander in the VFW as well as NM Veteran of the Year by the State Legislature and received numerous other awards for his service. He also served on the Veterans' Service Commission under Governor Anaya. Rudy was also a prominent civic individual, serving on independent committees for Better Schools, chairman for such groups as March of Dimes, the Heart Fund, the hospital fund drive, and the Governor's Committee for the Employment of the Physically Handicapped. Rudy's lineage dates back to the Spanish Conquistadores through Territorial Governor Miguel Otero and the legendary Lt. Col. Manuel Chavez of Civil War fame. His father and grandfathers were prominent ranchers and legislators in New Mexico. Rudy was a wonderful husband and father and a generous man that will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 and on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary scheduled for 7:00 p.m. both evenings at Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque, NM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming NE at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2002 with interment to follow at 12 noon at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Sandia Funeral Care 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM (505) 821-0010
|
