John W. Otto

John W. Otto, 80, of White Cloud, MI, formerly of New Buffalo, passed away on Aug. 6, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo MI. John was born Jan. 19, 1937 in New Buffalo MI, to the late John and Alberta (Beutler) Otto. John graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1955. He continued his education at Purdue University, studying technical building.  Among John’s occupations were carpenter, co-owner/operator of New Buffalo Lumber Company and outside sales for Wickes Lumber and then Big C Lumber of Three Oaks.  He was an active member of St. John UCC and currently the Newago CUCC; past member and president of the New Buffalo Lions Club; served on the New Buffalo Planning Commission; and was also a member of the River Valley Car Club.  John lived in New Buffalo until 2002, retiring to White Cloud MI that same year.  He loved wood working, having worked on many projects in his home. John is survived by his wife Julie Jenuwine-Otto; his children, Tammy (Joe) Cuellar of Round Lake Beach IL, Roxanne Otto of LaPorte IN, Victor (Cindy) Otto of Johnsburg IL, and Robert (Cheryl) Otto of Sumter, SC; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife Patricia (Skeldon) in 1999, his daughter Debbie and son David, brother Wilfred and sisters Yvonne and Carol. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday Aug. 11th at 2:00pm, at St. John UCC, New Buffalo MI, with Pastor Johnathan Riedel officiating of the Newaygo CUCC. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo. Visitation is on Thurs. Aug. 10th from 5:00-8:00pm at Sommerfeld Chapel New Buffalo MI.  Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.  Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com