Richard E. “Dick” Otto
Age 94, passed away January 5, 2023. He was born June 9, 1928, in Lansing, to James and Edith (Allen) Otto. Dick served in the U.S. Navy before attending MSU, where he graduated in 1952. He worked at Auto-Owners Insurance for 46 years, retiring in 1994 as CEO. Dick was a devoted member of St. David’s Episcopal Church and active in the Capital Region Community Foundation, but his favorite place was his cottage on Lake Michigan, where he loved sailing, woodworking and fireworks.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lorayne Otto; daughters, Luanne (Mark) Stilwell and Lorie (Keith) Krebs; daughters-in-law, Nancy Otto and Carol Otto; grandchildren, Jennifer Sunderlin, Heather (Andrew) Tracy, Krista (Jordan) Howard, Melissa (Brandon) Creamer, Leeanne (Andrew) Sanders, Rochelle (Michel) Kueppers, Kenneth (Antonette) Krebs, Natalie Otto-Solace, and Delanie (Jake) Wellman; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou (Jack) Fahres. He was preceded in death by his sons, Richard Otto, Jr., and Paul Otto; as well as his brothers and sisters-in-law, James (Barbara) Otto, Allen (Janie) Otto, Jack (Barbara) Otto and Tom (Dorothy) Otto.
Dick’s family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2023. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1519 Elmwood Rd., Lansing, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Capital Region Community Foundation for the Richard and Lorayne Otto Scholarship https://ourcommunity.org/donor-services/donate-now?fn=richard-and-lorayne-otto-scholarship-fund, or to St. David’s Episcopal Church. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
12 Messages to “Richard E. “Dick” Otto”
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Terri Trainor Clark
January 6, 2023 at 6:29 pmLorayne, Luanne, Lorie and the entire Otto Clan
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dick was a kind, generous, smart, creative man; a beloved leader; a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend. He now knows as he is known and is enjoying perfect peace in the eternal light. Take comfort in faith that you will meet again.
Jeff and Laura Kern
January 6, 2023 at 7:18 pmThinking about you. I so wish I was going to make it down in person to offer my condolences- please know that we will be there in thought!
“When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.”
Godspeed.
Karen Gillish
January 6, 2023 at 10:33 pmStan and Karen Gillish
January 6, 2023 at 10:00 pm
Dear Lorayne,
We are thinking of you and praying for you and family! God bless you.
We will be keeping you in prayer this weekend and through the 10th.
In Faith and Love,
St. Peter’s Church
Candy Kondos
January 7, 2023 at 9:42 amDear Aunt Lorayne and family,
My prayers are with you in this time of loss.
As of 10 am tomorrow my whole church family will be praying for you and all the Otto family.
May God’s peace fill all your hearts knowing you will all be together for eternity.
Sue & Chris Haywood
January 7, 2023 at 9:48 amLorayne, Luanne, Lorie & all of the Otto family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this sad time. We will remember Mr. Otto as a kind, gentle and generous man who has a wonderful family & did much for his community. We’re so sorry we’re unable to join you this coming Monday & Tuesday, being that we just left the state.
Dale Edly
January 7, 2023 at 11:29 amLoranye an family
It is sad to lose your dearest love, but what a great life he forged. May you find peace in all the warm memories. Dale and Jo Ann Edly
Barb Good
January 7, 2023 at 12:08 pmWhat a wonderful man! He will be greatly missed by his family. Lorayne, my heart is with you, you and Rick had a fantastic life together and a beautiful family! Love to you, Bunny (Barb Danby)
Pauline Westen
January 8, 2023 at 5:06 pmPrayers to you Loraine and your family. He was a great leader and Bill and I wish you peace.
Jack and Peggy Roberts
January 9, 2023 at 10:44 amRichard Otto was a grand and humble gentleman. Friendly, amusing, and a model for philanthropy. He was a long-time stalwart and servant on behalf of the Deerwood Association along Lake Michigan; and Dick and Lorayne’s gift of 80 acres to the Oceana Conservation District, which has become “The Otto Nature Preserve,” is an ever-lasting gift to to the residents of and visitors to Oceana County. Mid- and West Michigan have lost a very fine friend.
George and Marilyn Nugent
January 10, 2023 at 9:44 amWe first met Dick and Lorayne when we both were at St. David’s Episcopal Church back in the 1960’s. There friendliness was contagious as we and they became instant friends through all these years. Dick was a great example of a life well lived…..successful business executive, wonderful family and a life of giving to others. He will be missed by both Marilyn and me.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Amy and Ken Parkinson
January 12, 2023 at 9:25 pmLuanne and Mark, So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad lived a full life and was truly blessed with a large family. Peace to you and your family as you mourn his passing.
Marilyn and Mark Johnson
January 28, 2023 at 1:07 pmWe just learned of Dick’s passing. He and Lorayne were always special friends of my parents (Ralph and Trixie) and always in our hearts. His legacy of caring for people and nature live on. We pray you find comfort in His love.