Otis Lee Burge

Otis Lee Burge, age 95, of Rathdrum, Idaho, was received into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, after passing away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on January 24, 2025. He was born February 1, 1929, at home on the family farm in Pleasant Hill, Illinois to George and Elizabeth (Weaver) Burge. The youngest of six children, Otis was a ‘surprise’ twin born a short time after his sister, Osee. Weighing barely three pounds, his grandmother nurtured him to health by keeping him warm next to the kitchen wood stove and fed him with an eye dropper. He lived a long, healthy life.

Otis served his country honorably by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948. He was a veteran of the Korean War.

Otis retired from Shell Oil Company in 1985, Carson, CA. Otis and Helen moved to Magalia, CA soon after and built a home in the Sierra foothills. He was a long-time member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks) and a worshiper and volunteer at the Paradise Methodist Church in Paradise, CA.

In 2015 Otis & Helen downsized and moved to Rathdrum, Idaho to be close to their daughter Catherine and family.

Otis will be remembered for his strong work ethics, his love for God, and devotion to his family and friends. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Post Falls, for the past several years.

He is survived by his loving wife Helen (Hodges) and the three children she brought to their marriage, Chris (Deborah) Cummins of Port Ludlow, WA, Kevin Cummins (Jolie) of Poulsbo, WA, and Catherine (Terry) McClintick of Hauser, ID, and seven grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.