David L. Otto

David L. Otto, 87, of Westphalia passed away on Saturday August 12, 2023 surrounded by his family at Stonebridge Senior Living, Westphalia.

He was born October 28, 1935 in Westphalia to the late Fred and Mary (Buersmeyer) Otto.  Being raised on the family farm, David learned the value of hard work.  He could build and fix just about anything except plumbing or electrical.  David worked for Missouri Builders Association for 21 years before becoming Facilities Manager at DeVille Southwest Apartments.  He later worked in home construction with Otke-Kaiser Construction before starting his own roofing business; Westphalia Roofers Inc.  Always keeping busy, David even completed a shed roof at the age of 80. 

In his youth, he was quite an athlete. David was a star pitcher while playing in several hardball and softball leagues.  If he wasn’t cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, you might find him tending to his vegetable garden or fishing or picking blackberries or hunting deer in the fall and rabbits in the winter.  The man was known to love his Dr. Pepper, Root Beer and Kit Kats.

After briefly dating as teenagers, David and Betty Dwight reconnected at a local dance.  They were later married on September 27, 1980 in Jefferson City.  They made their home in Westphalia and have been married 42 years.

Survivors include Betty of Westphalia, five children, Roger (Sheila) Otto of Russellville, Mike (Sara) Otto of Westphalia, Patty Quick of Koeltztown, Mary Crader of Jefferson City and Lori Amalaha of Columbia, sixteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, four sisters, Dolores Baumhoer of Jefferson City, Lillian (Pete) Hartman of Centertown, Alvera Hagenhoff of Jefferson City and Elaine Carter of Jefferson City, four brothers, Harry Otto of Westphalia, Steve (Pam) Otto of Oakton, Virginia, Kenny Otto of Westphalia and Paul (Jeannie) Otto of Carmel, IN.  David was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Meyer, brothers-in-law, Harold Meyer, Cyril Baumhoer, Bob Hagenhoff, David Carter and sister-in-law, Mary Otto.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Riverwood Church, 3614 Church Lane, Jefferson City.  A celebration of David’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m.  with Pastor Doug Crader officiating.

Trimble Funeral Homes-Westphalia is assisting the family with arrangements.