Earl Richard Otto, 82, of Ava, passed away Thursday, Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m., at his residence.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Otto-Argo-Calvert Memorial Home, Danvers, Ill., with the Rev. Rick Tindall officiating. Interment was in Park Lawn Cemetery, Danvers, Ill., with military rites by the Carl S. Martin Post #635 honor guard, Normal, Ill.
Mr. Otto was born Aug. 20, 1922, at Danvers, Ill., the son of Arthur Otto Sr. and Edna Fuller. On Oct. 26, 1946, he married Lorene Dickson, at Danvers, Ill., and she survives.
He is also survived by three daughters, Susan and Steve Layne, Manito, Ill., Diane and Stephen Reid, Marion, Ill., and Jan Upchurch, Carlock, Ill.; six sons, Bruce and Marilyn Otto, Las Vegas, Nev., Alan and Sharon Otto, Normal, Ill., Patrick and Mary Otto, David Otto and Michael Otto, all of Danvers, Ill., and Dennis Otto, Casper, Wyo.; one sister, Faye White, Danvers, Ill.; 22 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Linda Metzke; one brother; two sisters; one granddaughter; and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Otto was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a graduate of Danvers High School and a former blacksmith with his brother, Arthur. He was an operating engineer for many years and later worked as a pipe fitter. He was a member of the Plumbers & Pipe Fitters union.
Since his retirement he and his wife spent many winters in Treasure Island, Fla. He enjoyed reading, shuffleboard, riding his bicycle and taking daily walks.
