Raymond A. “Butch” Otto

Raymond A. “Butch” Otto passed peacefully in his home on the morning of June 27th, 2023, at the age of 85, under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Ray was born in Toledo, OH on February 23rd, 1938, to Edward and Althier Otto. He went on to attend Monroe High School where he graduated in 1956. He married his wife of over fifty years, Charlene “Jean” Otto, on January 7, 1961. Together they had two children, Scott and Sherry. Ray was a hard working man, being a lifetime farmer and also a utility worker for Consumers Power for thirty-eight years. Growing up he helped on his family’s farm by milking cows and delivering milk with his father for Cherry Grove Dairy. He farmed with his brothers, Melvin “Joe” and Norm Otto. They grew tomatoes for market and then later, canning tomatoes for Hunts and Red Gold. In later years, the Otto brothers switched to farming grains, where he was most proud to be able to farm with his son Scott and the rest of his family. After retirement, he was hardly ever idle as there was always something to do on the farm. He could often be seen out in the field in his red Toyota pickup “supervising” all the farming operations. He will be remembered fondly for his love of farming, a good race or tractor pull, his practical nature, and making popcorn for his family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and all three brothers, Kenneth, Melvin “Joe”, and Norm Otto. He leaves behind his wife, Charlene “Jean” Otto; two children: son Scott (Jayne) Otto and daughter Sherry Bice; five grandchildren: Vincent, Kallista, Aryanna, Jarrett, and Ashlyn, and one great-grand child, Dominic.

Friends and family may gather for a memorial service at Capaul Funeral Home in Ida, MI on July 5th, 2023, from 5:00PM-7:00PM, with a short service to follow. Pastor Mark McCaskill of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Ida, MI, will officiate. Cremation has occurred.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or The American Diabetes Association.