It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Clarence “Otto” Vetter, age 93, formerly of Mott, ND, passed away on November 21, 2025, in Loveland, CO. He was born to Adolph and Mathilda (Wiege) Vetter on August 3, 1932, in Hebron, ND.

Otto, has called both Hebron and Mott “Home”. He grew up in Hebron, N.D. and graduated from Hebron High School in 1950. He proudly served as a staff sergeant in the Air Force from 1951-1955 and was stationed in Germany at Ramstein Air Force Base during the Korean War. Following his military service, he studied accounting in Dickinson, ND, which led him to his primary career and passion in banking. He started his career as a teller in Hebron, followed by an examiner for the state of North Dakota, and finished his 22-year career in 1994 when he retired from the Commercial Bank of Mott.

Outside of Otto’s career, he was very involved in community service. He was an active member of the American Legion for 72 years, and was a member of the Mott Volunteer Fire Department. On a more personal level he also spent his lifetime quietly supporting others in need.

It’s touching to see what Otto himself noted as the most meaningful moments of his life. As a young man, he cherished attending Boys State in 1949, an experience that shaped his sense of leadership and purpose. That same year, he bravely saved a seventh grader from drowning in the Hebron Dam, an act of courage that reflected his character throughout his life. Otto took great pride in sports and loved to share stories of his athletic days; if you asked him, he was quite the athlete. Later in life, Otto developed a love for golf and had two holes in one in his career. While we all know better, he insists it was total luck and not skill.

Above all, Otto treasured his family. He often said how blessed he felt to have stepchildren and grandchildren in his life, and he adored his siblings, nieces, nephews, and the many dear friends who shared countless rounds of golf and good times with him. Otto loved his best friend and devoted wife, Diane, who stood by his side through every chapter. And at the heart of it all, Otto loved his Lord, whose presence guided him throughout his journey.

Otto was married to Leona Schaible from July 28, 1984, to June 1, 2000, with stepchildren LeeAnn Messer (Schaible), Valerie Scott (Schaible), Roland Schaible, and the late Rebecca Wentler (Schaible) and the late Rick Schaible, as well as their spouses and numerous grandchildren.

On May 18, 2001, he married Diane Friedt with stepchildren Carri Weller (husband DJ Fuchs), Scott Friedt (wife Wendy), the late Lorri Jones (husband Darrell), Dana Miller (husband Pat Payne), and Jessica Friedt. He also acquired six grandchildren - Chris (and Christina), Lindsey (and Jordan), Andy (and Joanna), Seth, Erica (and Colton), and Olivia, and two great-grandchildren (Owen and Mosley).

In July 2023, Otto and Diane made the decision to move from Mott to Loveland, CO, to escape the cold winters and to be closer to family. 

In addition to Otto’s parents, he has a sister, Florence (Vetter) Riedlinger, of Bismarck, ND, and a brother, the late Delbert Vetter of Comfort, TX. Otto is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Mathilda Vetter, and brother Delbert Vetter.

Due to the current season/weather conditions, funeral services will be postponed until the spring. An announcement with the final date and time will be made closer to that date.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Clarence “Otto” Vetter to a charity of your choice. 

In Otto’s own words as he reflected on his life, “He was never a hero. He just served his time as a proud American. He loved his Lord and had a good life. A simple life is what he led, and that is what he wanted.”