Oct. 1, 1936 – Aug. 28, 2010
 

John K. Otto, 73, died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at Angels-Grace Hospice. He was born in Tomah on Oct. 1, 1936, to Raymond and Nettie (nee Strandt) Otto. John had been employed at the Waukesha Freeman since he was 18 years old. He started in the press room and worked his way up to press room manager, production manager and then to his present position as facilities manager. John loved all sports, but especially loved to play golf and to follow NASCAR racing, the Brewers and the Packers.

He will be missed by his wife, Ann (nee Pankratz) of Waukesha, whom he married Oct. 15, 1983, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; and his daughters, Terra Jean (Rob) Chambers of Olympia, Wash., and Jodi Otto of Pewaukee. He is also survived by his brother, Ron (Gerri) Otto of Alexandria, Va.; sister, Leah Rae (the late Dick) Schibur of Edina, Minn.; grandchildren, Rebecca, Victoria and Christopher; five great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends, including his longtime best friend, Chet Laughhunn of Waukesha.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Joyce Geisler; his daughter, Joan Lamp; and his son, Andy Otto.
 
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the 1:30 p.m. funeral service Thursday, Sept. 2, at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Memorials are appreciated.

The Otto family would like to thank the nurses and entire staff at AnglesGrace Hospice for the compassionate care provided for John in his final days, and Dr. Paul LeMarbre and his wonderful staff for their friendship and care.

Ann would like to extend a special thank you to Terra Jean and Jodi for spending so much time with their dad in these final weeks. The time they spent comforting John through the nighttime hours will never be forgotten.

Ann would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Conrad Andringa and his wife, Phyllis, for their love and support.

For further information or directions, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at 547-4035. To leave the family an online tribute message, visit www.waukeshafunerals.com.
   
Please see Tuesday's Page 1A for a full story about John Otto.