Theodore Henry Otto, 78, of Sheboygan, passed away Friday morning, April 11, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 13, 1936, in Sheboygan, Theodore was a son of the late Adolph and Olga Radke Otto. He attended Madison Grade School and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1953. He then went on to honor his country by serving in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960. On April 28, 1962, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Doris Mae Maltbey, in Shawano.
Ted was employed by Plastics Engineering Co. for 43 years, retiring in 1998. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where he was involved in many ministries, including singing in the choir. Ted was a kind, loving, warm-hearted guy who always greeted everyone with a smile. He was passionate about helping other people in need, easy to talk to, helping everyone feel comfortable and welcome when they were around him. Prayer was a big part of his life. He often talked about being in constant contact with God, asking for forgiveness for his shortcomings and help for overcoming them. He attempted to instill this in the people in his life, mainly his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially watching the grandchildren play their many sports activities. He was an avid Brewers, Packers and Badgers fan who also enjoyed dancing polkas with his wife, Doris, all kinds of cards, especially Sheepshead and Cribbage, bowling, gardening and traveling.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Doris; his three children, Robert Otto, Sheboygan Falls, Kathy (Sam) Schmitt, Sheboygan Falls, and Sharon (Warren) Batkiewicz, Kohler; four grandchildren, Ryan and Alex Schmitt, Sheboygan Falls, and Erik and Kyle (Kristen) Batkiewicz, Kohler; his brother, Richard (Ione) Otto, Sheboygan Falls; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter; two brothers, Edward (Gloria) Otto and Arthur (Lois) Otto; and his sister-in-law, Phyllis Otto.
Funeral services for Ted will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2104 Geele Ave., Sheboygan. Family and friends are welcome at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Ave., Sheboygan, on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, from 4-7 p.m. and again at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at Gardens of Peace Mausoleum following cremation.
The family would like to thank Dr. Turaga and staff at Froedtert Medical Center, Dr. Bettag and staff, and the nurses and staff of St. Nicholas Home Health & Hospice for all of their loving care and support.
A memorial fund has been established in his name.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ted’s arrangements.