Harry Anton Otto

Harry Anton Otto, 90 of Westphalia passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 surrounded by his family at Stonebridge, Westphalia.

On November 18, 1933, Harry was born to the late Fred and Mary (Buersmeyer) Otto at home on the family farm.  Growing up on the farm, Harry learned the value of hard work.  He joined the U.S. Army in 1956 and served until he was honorably discharged in 1961.  Harry married Mary Schaefer on May 10, 1958 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Taos.   They made their home in Westphalia raising six children with Harry working at Milo H. Walz.  In 2001, he retired as warehouse manager after forty four years of service.  Harry then volunteered at St. Joseph Catholic School in Westphalia later becoming the school’s custodian until 2019.  

Harry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Westphalia, Knights of Columbus Lodge #1171, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly #2811 and the Westphalia Lions Club.   Harry was a baseball fanatic.  In his younger years, he played and coached slow pitch for the KC Club as well as coaching Little League.  He was proud to be a fan of the Atlanta Braves and enjoyed letting others know. When he wasn’t watching the Braves, you might find Harry fishing at the Lake or playing Pinochle or tending to his vegetable garden or dancing to Polkas with Mary.  During his favorite holiday, Christmas, Harry looked forward gift shopping for the entire family as well as wrapping every gift, taking the kids on a Christmas Eve car ride while Mary stayed home sneaking those gifts under the tree.  

Survivors include four children, Carolyn Otto, Sharon Otto and Ronald Otto all of Jefferson City, Brenda (Ed) Stewart of New Bloomfield, five grandchildren, Shawn Otto of Jefferson City, Shaylyn Otto of Wisconsin, Elizabeth Stewart of Springfield,   Rachel Stewart of Grain Valley, Sarah (Ryan) Gelnar of Columbia, one great granddaughter, Myah Jablonske, three brothers, Kenneth Otto of Westphalia, Stephen (Pam) Otto of Virginia, Paul (Jeannie) Otto of Indiana, four sisters, Delores Baumhoer of Jefferson City, Elaine Carter of Jefferson City, Lillian (Peter) Hartman of Centertown and Alvera Hagenhoff of Jefferson City and sister-in-law, Betty Otto of Westphalia.  Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, daughter, Shirley Otto, son, Gerald Otto, one grandson, sister, Ann Meyer, brother, David Otto and four brothers-in-law, Cyril Baumhoer, David Carter, Harold Meyer and Robert Hagenhoff.

Visitation will be Monday, January 29, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Trimble Funeral Homes-Westphalia.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Westphalia.  Reverend Dylan Schrader will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors.

Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church or School, Westphalia.

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