Gerald W. "Jerry" Otto

MILLER CITY – Gerald W. "Jerry" Otto, 77, of Miller City, passed away surrounded by his loving family at 4:40 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.  He was born January 9, 1947, in Liberty Township to the late Lewis and Alice (Schroeder) Otto.  On August 30, 1969, he married Sandra Osthoff, who survives in Miller City.

Jerry is also survived by four children:  Gregory (Rebecca) Otto, Sheree (Joe) Ruck, Michael (Andrea) Otto, and Todd (Chelsie) Otto, all of Miller City; 25 grandchildren: Gabe, Joey, Gigi, John, Jude, Gemma, Genevieve, Giuliana, Gisella, and Georgina Otto, Ava, Alex, and  Sophia Ruck, Noah, Maddie, Lizzie, Will, and Vivi Otto, Lily, Josie, Coletta, Sam, Addy, and Eli Otto; three sisters: Eileen Niese of Miller City, Joyce (Gary) Shafer of Ottawa, and Sharon Verhoff of Glandorf; two brothers: Charles Otto, and Larry (Janice) Otto of Miller City.

He is preceded in death by an infant son, Jeffery Otto; a grandson, Luke Otto; a sister, Patricia (Daniel) Siebeneck; two brothers-in-law, Paul Niese and Gordon Verhoff; and two sisters-in-law, Patricia Otto, and Barbara Otto.

Jerry retired from General Motors, Defiance.  After retirement he worked at Liebrecht Manufacturing, Continental.  He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam as a Military Police Officer.  Jerry was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City, and its maintenance committee, Ottawa Knights of Columbus, Miller City Sportsman Club, and Miller City American Legion Post 172.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  Jerry taught his kids and grandkids many life skills, such as farming, raising and butchering steers, hunting, and canning.  Above all else he loved his grandkids and watching their countless sporting events.  He enjoyed playing cards, giving hayrides, and sitting on the back patio hashing over the day with his family and friends. His sense of humor and "I say" will be dearly missed.  People always commented on his big hands; his heart was even bigger. He was always giving everything, and never wanting anything.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City with Fr. Scott Perry officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Ottawa American Legion.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at LOVE-HEITEMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic.  A scripture service will begin at 1:45 on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

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