Richard Dart Otto
Richard (Dick) Dart Otto, age 76, of Olivet, was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, December 21, 2024 unexpectedly. He was born July 12, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan the son of Thomas and Doris (Schultz) Otto. Richard graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit with the class of 1967. On March 29, 1969, Richard married Lynda E. Jones in Detroit, Michigan. Soon after their marriage, Richard was drafted and was stationed in Dover, Delaware, but his favorite assignment was in Anchorage, Alaska where he served his country in the United States Air Force. After Richard was honorably discharged from the Air Force he decided to stay in Alaska. He went to a trade school for the next four years and became a Plumber/Pipefitter with the UA Local 367 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Anchorage, Alaska.
Richard worked in many different areas of Alaska servicing remote Native villages. He also worked on the Alaska Pipeline. Richard was a man of great integrity and was blessed with a contagious smile, robust laugh, and a unique sense of humor. He was an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. He started and ran many different businesses throughout the years. He also had a passion for fishing- especially in Alaska on the Kenai River. But what brought him the most joy in his life was his family. He cherished each and every one of them in his own special way. Richard loved spending time together with those that he loved most, including his dog Cooper.
Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynda; children, Heath (Melinda) Otto of Olivet, Timothy (Kimberly) Otto of Chelsea, Laura (William) Hessert of Bellevue; grandchildren, Payton Otto, Cooper Otto, Teegan Otto, Nolan Otto, Grady Otto; sister, Patricia (Albert) Young of Commerce Township; and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John (Nancy) Otto; nephew, Alan Otto; and grandson, Oliver Hessert.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will received friends on Friday, January 3 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to collect funds to put towards the beautification or improvement of his favorite fishing place where he spent countless hours and made many memories in Soldotna, Alaska. Funds can be sent to the following Venmo account: @laurahessert. The ability to give cash or a check will also be available at the times of visitations and service.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com