Harry Anton Otto, 90, Westphalia passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, surrounded by his family at Stonebridge, Westphalia.
He was born Nov. 18, 1933, to the late Fred and Mary (Buersmeyer) Otto at home on the family farm where he grew up and learned the value of hard work.
He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1956 until being honorably discharged in 1961.
Harry was united in marriage to Mary Schaefer May 10, 1958, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Taos.
They made their home in Westphalia raising six children with Harry working at Milo H. Walz. In 2001, he retired as warehouse manager after 44 years of service. Harry then volunteered at St. Joseph Catholic School in Westphalia later becoming the school’s custodian until 2019.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Westphalia, Knights of Columbus Lodge #1171, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly #2811 and the Westphalia Lions Club.
Harry was a baseball fanatic. In his younger years, he played and coached slow pitch for the KC Club as well as coaching Little League. He was proud to be a fan of the Atlanta Braves and enjoyed letting others know. When he wasn’t watching the Braves, you might find Harry fishing at the Lake or playing Pinochle or tending to his vegetable garden or dancing to Polkas with Mary. During his favorite holiday, Christmas, Harry looked forward to gift shopping for the entire family as well as wrapping every gift, taking the kids on a Christmas Eve car ride while Mary stayed home sneaking those gifts under the tree.
He was preceded in death by wife, Mary; daughter, Shirley Otto; son, Gerald Otto; one grandson; sister, Ann Meyer; brother, David Otto; and brothers-in-law, Cyril Baumhoer, David Carter, Harold Meyer and Robert Hagenhoff.
Harry is survived by children, Carolyn Otto, Sharon Otto and Ronald Otto, all of Jefferson City and Brenda Stewart and husband Ed of New Bloomfield; grandchildren, Shawn Otto of Jefferson City, Shaylyn Otto of Wisconsin, Elizabeth Stewart of Springfield, Rachel Stewart of Grain Valley and Sarah Gelnar and husband Ryan of Columbia; great-granddaughter, Myah Jablonske; brothers, Kenneth Otto of Westphalia, Stephen Otto and wife Pam of Virginia and Paul Otto and wife Jeannie of Indiana; sisters, Delores Baumhoer, Elaine Carter and Alvera Hagenhoff, all of Jefferson City and Lillian Hartman and husband Peter of Centertown; and sister-in-law, Betty Otto of Westphalia.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia with Reverend Dylan Schrader officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or School in Westphalia.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes-Westphalia.
