Otto W. Hayes

Otto William Hayes was born June 4, 1909 in the Bronx, New York. He was one of six children. He started working at the age of fourteen, fixing peoples cars. At the age of eighteen he applied for a job at the New York telephone company. He did not meet the weight requirements for this job so Otto’s brother George put lead weights in his shoes and he got the job even though management looked at him rather suspiciously.

One day while at a friend’s house he saw the love of his life, Lily Knudsen. They said hello and smiled at each other and after four years of dating they married July 4th, 1934. They celebrated their 76th anniversary in 2010. They have three children, Caroline, Virginia “Ginny”, and Otto “Bill”, Jr. and two great sons in laws, Harry and Gary and a great daughter in law, Christa, who took care of him.

They have four grandchildren, Chip, Mitchell (Linda), Bridget and David.

Jim Moore.

There are also eleven great grandchildren, Alysia, Sabrina (Fernando), Jennifer (Erich), Jimmy, Joseph (Melissa), Brittany, Brandon, Jennifer, Jazmin, Jessica and Josh, Jeremy Wells. There are also eight great-great grandchildren, Christian, Ethan, Olivia, Alexander. Logan, Skylar, Tiana and Giovani.

Otto retired in 1973, and they moved to Phoenix, AZ. They enjoyed retirement living by going camping, fishing and sightseeing through the country. They also enjoyed all the benefits of living in retirement community, played many games of cards and bingo and socialized with the neighbors.

Otto celebrated his 100th birthday in 2009, with a joyous reunion with relatives and friends coming from all over the USA and other countries to honor his 100th year.

Until November 2009 they still maintained their own home in Happy Trails, Surprise, AZ. Then they moved to Sun City, AZ with their son and daughter-in-law. They resumed membership at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sun City, AZ and enjoyed visiting with all their friends from church.

Otto enjoyed his life. He always had a smile on his face and a rhythm in his step, a twinkle in his eye and a joke to tell.

Otto, Dad, Grandpa, Grandpa 2, as he was known will be missed by all.