Lewis Calkins

Lewis Lester Calkins, age 94, of Sauk Centre, died peacefully on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Glen Oaks Nursing Home in New London, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 6 at the Sauk Centre United Methodist Church with Rev. Jacob Holck officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Lewis was born October 10, 1927 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Lester and Fern (Matthews) Calkins. He grew up on a farm in Todd County and attended country school for 8 years. He continued schooling in Morris at farm school. Later, Lewis bought the family farm from his father and spent the majority of his life as a crop farmer. Eventually he was one of the founding members of MBC Drainage.  Lewis married later in life when he married Leora Otte on December 4, 1981 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre.

Lewis enjoyed farming, going for rides to look at crops, square dancing, golfing, making memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren during the holidays, and attending their activities.  He was a great help in the kitchen during the holidays and was the number one taste tester with turkey, ham and homemade caramels.  In his retirement years, he spent endless hours in the shop and did all kinds of woodworking.  He was especially known for his beautifully handmade rocking horses. Most importantly, Lewis was very proud of his grandchildren.

Lewis is survived by his wife Leora Otte-Calkins of Sauk Centre; step-son, Bruce Otte of Melrose; daughter-in-law, Lisa Otte of Sauk Centre; and four grandchildren, Zachary (Kari) Otte of Melrose, Kate Otte of Melrose, Abigail (Nick) Otte-Deters of Sauk Centre, and Seth Otte of Fargo North Dakota; and four great-grandchildren.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Fern Calkins; sister, Marcella (Sally) Beste Quade; and stepson, David Otte.

Serving as casket bearers will be Brenda (Beste) Stone, Arlan Schroeder, Zachary Otte, Seth Otte, Barb Burns, and Nick Deters.