Otto Willis 'Bill' Rye , 83, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna. He was born September 10, 1926 in Minneota, Minnesota the son of Otto and Helen (Wahlstrom) Rye. He served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school. After his service, he attended the University of Minnesota earning a degree in Agricultural Engineering and began working for Mason City Brick and Tile. He then worked in the insurance field for a number of years until working for the American Companies of Topeka, Kansas until his retirement in 1993. He was united in marriage to Florence Ahlers on August 29, 1953 in Owatonna. Over the years he was active on many boards of church, community, and school. At various times he was a member of the Owatonna School Board, City Planning Commission, Lutheran Social Services, and numerous local fund drives. He was instrumental in bringing the Travelogue Series to Owatonna through the Exchange Club. He is survived by his wife Florence Rye of Owatonna; four children, Paul (and Linda) Rye of Urbandale, IA, Brenda Rye of Burnsville, MN, Jeff (and Shannon) Rye of Fargo, ND, Sarah (and Jim) Berggren of Grand Lake, CO; five grandchildren, Marcia (and Jeremy) Ziemer of Ann Arbor, MI, Andy (and Amanda) Rye of Ankeny, IA, Brian Rye of Urbandale, IA, Hans and Samantha Berggren of Grand Lake, CO; three great grandchildren, Kimberly, Kaylin, and Dylan. He is also survived by a sister, Clarice Norgaard of Lakeville, MN, a brother, Ken (and Joyce) Rye of Beaver, UT, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister and two brothers. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at St. John Lutheran Church on Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna with full military honors. Memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Foundation, Homestead Hospice Patient Care Fund, or the donor''s choice. Visitation: 07/29/2010 17:00 07/29/2010 20:00 Service: Owatonna and one hour prior to the service at the church. 07/30/2010 10:00