Tommy Lee Otto, age 70, after a courageous battle with cancer, went on to a better life on September 14, 2017.
He was born in Elkhart, IN on February 8 and was raised in Petoskey, MI. Tom began his career at Glen’s Market in 1969. Quickly working his way from assistant manager to store manager, Tom was a dedicated employee for over 30 years in the grocery business. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling the countryside with his wife. Only a few years into retirement, he decided he wasn’t quite ready to settle down yet and went on to work part time at Home Depot of Gaylord. Tom was an active member of his church, the First Congregational Church. He enjoyed singing in the choir and assisting with the church’s finances. Tom was an energetic member of Lions Clubs in the many towns he resided in during his life, most recently holding the title of District E11-2 Treasurer and for many years as the local Gaylord Lions Club Treasurer. In 2013, Tom was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award through Lions Club International. This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. In his earlier years, Tom enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping and vacationing with his family. He also enjoyed quality time spent with his grandson in New York.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Catherine A. (Evans) and three children, Victoria (Gaylord, MI), Bradley (Julie) NY, Jason (Amy) TN and grandson Jonathon Thomas of NY, along with several siblings spread throughout the state of Michigan. He was preceded in death by Pat Yoder, Donna Yoder and Obed Otto.
Funeral services will be held at First Congregational Church on Monday, September 18 at 11am.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 17 from 3 to 5pm at Nelson Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation period at First Congregational Church on Monday, Sept. 18 from 10am until the time of service.
Donations can be made to the Gaylord Lions Club, the First Congregational Church of Gaylord and Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49735.
7 comments on “Otto, Tommy”
Our condolences. Keeping you and your loved ones in thought and prayers.
Sending love to Cathy, Vicky and Otto Family. ❤
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s friends and family. He was truly a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Thinking of you and your family Cathy. Praying for you all at this time.
Our heartfelt condolences learning of Tom passing, we always enjoyed his smiling face.
I will miss you, my friend. I will miss your smile, your warm heart, and your beautiful tenor voice. Until we meet once more, my brother.
To Tom’s Family and Friends:
We were in grade school and high school together; I just learned of Tom’s passing, and since I did not go to the big reunion 2 yr ago, I did not have the pleasure of meeting up with Tom again. He is well remembered by all our classmates and I particularly remember him forbeing such a kind and gentle soul, and for always being thoughtful and polite. At least in our younger years; the guys in the class who scrimmaged with him in football said he was a different story there! I’m so glad he had the gift of singing, and the joy of singing with his church. I never knew about his beautiful tenor voice; how could I have not known???!!! May his love and life be carried on by all those who knew and loved him, especially his family who know that Tom is now in the palm of God’s hand, to be cherished in ever living love, and in the light of everlasting glory. May Tom’s his peace, and the peace of the Lord, be with you all, Juliet Lilga aka LilgaRoth, Class of 65