Russell Otto

Russell James Otto, Jr., age 74, of Alma, MI, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, Midland, MI.

In following Russ' wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.

Russ was born in Alma, Michigan on August 15, 1946, the son of Russell James Otto, Sr. and Martha Moon. He graduated from St. Louis High School.

Russ proudly served his country in the United States Army 1966-1969 during the Vietnam War. He worked for IAC for 32 years, retiring in 2012. Russ was a proud member of Parkside Assembly of God and enjoyed serving as a greeter for several years.

Russ liked gardening, shopping and baking; his sourdough Christmas Cookies were a favorite. Russ was a people person and always enjoyed conversation with others. He loved his family and spending time with them. Most of all, Russ loved the Lord and lived his life to serve Him; now he is with Him for eternity.

Russ is survived by his children: Kathy Rogers of Alma, Bryon Rogers of AZ, Darlene (Bart Geiling) Johnson of Riverdale, Eric (Jan) Otto of Richmond, TX; Chad (Rachael) Otto of St. Louis, Branden Otto of Alma, and Nicole (Dustin) Welch of Vestaburg. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Andrew (Tasha) Rogers, Jake (Heather) Rogers, Arika (Adam) Rought, Kang (Alyssa) Johnson, Sasha (Adam Mercado) Johnson, Sitera (Donald) Pyman, Kayla (Jason Groch) Jakubowski, John Roberson, and Noah Welch; 15 great-grandchildren: Dakota, Clark, Akira, Akari, Kali, Torin, Roman, Gage, Alex, Matilda, Maddex, Ilayna, Inkeri, Lexingtyn, Sutton, and Sawyer; siblings: Jim Fenton, Diana Anderson, Tom Thayer, and Elmer Otto; and many nieces and nephews.  Russ was preceded in death by his father Russell, Sr., mother Martha Fenton, wife Linda Otto, and siblings: Leo and Elizabeth.

Donations may be made to the Charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.