Jack Arden Otto

Jack Arden Otto, Korean War veteran of the United States Air Force, left this world on December 5th in Granger after a lengthy illness. The son of Elmer A. and Helen (Harnish) Otto, he was born March 27, 1933, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. After graduating from Oshkosh High School, he joined the Air Force and served with distinction during the Korean War, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, The United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he began his career in the telecommunications industry, taking a job in Detroit, where he had met and fallen in love with Margaret (Peg) Cavanaugh. Following their marriage in Detroit in 1958, the couple moved to Buchanan where he had taken a job as Telecommunications Manager with Clark Equipment. He worked for Clark in that capacity until 1978, when he took a similar position with Northrop Aircraft Corporation in Hawthorne, California. After an 11-year career with Northrop, he retired in 1989 and they moved to Granger. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 56 years, Peg, three sisters; Sally (Hurlbutt), Nancy (Straveler) and Peggy (Scherz) all of Oshkosh, a son, Jack Arthur (Veronica) of Kennesaw, GA; two daughters Marlene (Bill) Beck of Ypsilanti, MI, and Janet (Frank) Annino of New York City; and seven granddaughters: Shannon, Megan, and Caitlin Otto; Julie, Emilie, and Kellie Beck; and Claire Annino. In addition to his family, Jack loved big band music and the Green Bay Packers. He continued to show his love for his country by his lengthy service with American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan, where he was a Past Commander. He was also a history enthusiast, who was especially passionate about Custer’s Last Stand, the Titanic, and the life and career of Lou Gehrig. A Service celebrating his life will be Tuesday December 10th, at Swem Chapel in Buchanan at 11:00 a.m. Father Richard Altine of Saint Anthony Catholic Church will be officiating. A time to visit will be one hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place following the service at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan where Post 51 American Legion will provide full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001. To sign his quest book or leave a condolence message please visit our web site www.swemchapel.com.