Richard L. Otto
Richard “Dick” Lee Otto, 83, of Delton, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bellevue on March 5, 1935, the son of Charles “Sid” and Doris (Augustine) Otto. Dick graduated from Bellevue High School in 1953. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 1954 to 1956. Upon returning from the service, he met Jean Rizor. They were married June 1, 1958 and together had four children. They recently celebrated their 60th Anniversary. Dick was employed with Michigan Bell Telephone Company, retiring after 25 years. He owned and operated a 60-room hotel for six years while he was employed with Michigan Bell. He also owned and operated a storage building business for 21 years.
Dick was a very active member of the Bellevue Community, where he lived for 68 years. He and a friend founded the Bellevue Rescue Squad and remained a member of the Squad and served on the Board for 10 years. He served as a board member for 19 years of his 27-year membership in the Communications Workers of America. He was recognized by the Red Cross as one of only five instructors in Michigan certified to provide training for Basic First Aid through CPR and childbirth. He served as the City Police Commissioner for seven-and-a-half years. Dick was a member of the American Legion for 34 years, ELKS B.P.O.E. for five years, the Lions Club for 35 years (Board Member for six years), the Eagles for 19 years, and the Bellevue Conservation Club for 55 years.
When Dick wasn’t serving his community he enjoyed hunting and camping in Bellevue and northern Michigan, being on the great lakes with their boat in South Haven and at their cottage on Wall Lake where he now resides in the summers. Dick spent his winters in Florida at the Polynesian Village where he had many special friends. More than anything he loved spending time with his family.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Jean; children, Karen (Mike) Lennon, Connie (Bob) Wagner, Brenda (Ron) Koziol, Rick Otto (Robin Ingram); 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; siblings, Bernard Otto, Marylou Vogt; sister-in-law, Marge Otto; sisters-in-law, Sue (Bruce) McClelland, Roni Rizor; brother-in-law, Gary (Carla) Rizor.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sid and Doris Otto and brother, Charles Otto; sister-in-law, Joyce Otto; and brother-in-law, Gordon Vogt.
A memorial service was held at Bellevue United Methodist Church on Friday, July 20, 2018, with Pastor Peggy Baker officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bellevue Fire Department or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Friends may share a memory or send condolences at kempffh.com.