John Marshall Otto passed from this life on January 17, 2022. John was born in Mankato, MN on, April 23, 1942. He graduated from Hopkins High School in 1960 and was married to Judy Kooy in December of 1961. He was a long-time resident of Redwood Falls, MN and worked at Scott Preusse for 20+ years before moving to Mesa, Arizona.
John and his wife enjoyed a singing ministry they had for 10 years with God’s Reflective Image. That singing ministry for John would continue throughout his life, whether it was for a wedding, a funeral, or a simple little call singing “Happy Birthday to You”. He always had a smile on his face, song in his soul and a whistle in his step. He was generous with his time and had a willingness to help wherever he could. A true servant-like attitude. Although they had moved to Arizona earlier in life, when retired they escaped the summer heat to enjoy their summers at the cabin on Long Lake in Park Rapids, MN.
John is survived by his wife Judy, his sons Mitch Otto (Anna), Mark Otto (Jessica) and daughter, Tammy Heiling (Scott). He was a proud grandparent to his grandchildren: Ashley, Derek, Tyler, Teri & Walker and to his great grandchildren: Gavin, Westin, Paisley, Brynley, Mason & Autumn.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dolly Otto, sister Barbara Dvergsten and twin brother James Otto. There will be a memorial service in John’s Honor on February 12, 2022, at Broadway Christian Church in Mesa, AZ at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations in Memory of John be made to Pine Haven Christian Assembly at pinehavencamp.org
John was our very dear friend and we will miss his smile and hardy laugh. Our friendship was for more than 60 years and we will treasure all the memories we had with John and Judy. We know he is in heaven rejoicing in song and greeting fa.ily and friends. We will miss him tremendously. Love you, John
John was a great friend to our family, church, and camp up here in Park Rapids. He will be dearly missed.
This leaves sadness and a void in everyone’s hearts and lives. He was a great guy — so much fun. My last conversation with him was a month ago when he called me on the phone to wish me happy birthday and to sing to me. He did that every year. My deepest condolences to Judy and all the family. It’s always good to know that our brothers and sisters are in heaven with Jesus, but it’s still so hard to lose them here on earth. Love and Sympathy, Lori 🙏❤️
I’m so glad I saved my birthday song from John last July! It’s now in my voice memo. He was a big tease, funnier than anyone (at least he thought so. 😆Thinking of you Judy😜) he had a big heart, big smile and a great voice in song! We are very thankful for our time knowing him and look forward to when we meet again. God bless and comfort his lovely family. With love and our deepest sympathy, Jeff and June Green
Whenever John walked into the room or onto the field to watch his grandson play ball, you could sense that the joy of the Lord was his strength. I’m sure John entered His gates with thanksgiving in his heart and into His court with praise.
John always had a smile on his face and would light up a room with his presence! I was honored to have known him ! He will be deeply missed by many ! John was welcomed with open arms at the gates of heaven.
He was a light in everyone’s life that he touched. Heaven truly gained a great angel! We will truly miss him💔
Meet John thru son Mark my son in law and on face book. Will miss his up beat commentary and light hardiness . My condolences to all the families.
I’m so sorry to hear of this loss. John and Judy were special friends to me during some challenging teenage years. I remember them and their family fondly. I’m sure John is celebrating in heaven now.
We are so sad to hear about John’s passing away. He was such a wonderful servant of the Lord, and he and Judy did so much in their music ministry and he continued singing all of his life. I enjoyed playing for him a few times, and we always enjoyed seeing both he and Judy when they were in Minnesota. May God wrap His arms around Judy and the rest of the family. John will truly be missed.
Will miss John’s welcoming smile and his sense of humor. Always looked forward to our times eating and visiting together with him and Judy up north at the cabin. Thinking of and praying for you, Judy, and for the family.
We are so sad to learn of the passing of John Otto. He was a very special human being – so kind , generous, loving and so much fun! We will always remember the twinkle in his eye and that great smile. We enjoyed the AC Delco trips we shared with him. He was so genuine and we will miss him very much. Every time I look at the Chevrolet clock he gave us in July 2000, I think of him. Our condolence to Judy and all his family.
I am very sorry to hear about John’s passing. I have known John for many years and always enjoyed him and his singing. God took home an angel. RIP John.
GOD LOVES YOU AND WE LOVE YOU.
Our sympathies to Judy & the family! John was a happy man with a mischievous smile. RIP!
I just had a thought! John & Gordon will be singing at the top of their lungs together in harmony the old familiar hymns they loved so much. Maybe accompanied by the banjo. It makes me smile thinking of it. Prayers for you,Judy & family
Betty – I have had that very same thought this week! Both will be sorely missed by us all.
John was true to his beliefs. A great man that will truly be missed. Rest in peace John God bless his beautiful family.
I knew John thru choir at Central… loved his voice….so sorry to get this news of his passing!!!! Prayers for Judy and family!!!
I met John last year at Fountain of the Sun in AZ. We visited by the pool. He was a really nice man and I wish I could have seen him again
We were always especially blessed by Mr. Otto’s singing of the communion service.
We loved hearing John sing at Central Christian Church and at Broadway Christian Church during communion. We will miss him.
I didn’t know John but I know his beautiful granddaughter, Ashley. I wish I would have had the honor of meeting him. My condolences to Ashley, Judy, and the whole family. You are all in my prayers. 🙏❤️
What a gift John was! He loved the Lord and people! Thoughts and prayers are with you Judy!
We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing; wish it were not so. So even though we do not understand, we know the ONE who does understand, and that makes all the difference. We pray the Lord Jesus upholds you with his loving arms of support for comfort, peace, and endurance. We love you, we are sad for your loss, and pray for the Lord to care for all of you in the days ahead. Lovingly, the David Johnson Family
An honor to have worked with John at Lou Grubb Chevrolet many many years ago. John always a smile and made me laugh all the time! So sadden to hear this news. Am so grateful / blessed to have known such an amazing one of a kind person. Will miss you so much. Deepest sympathy to Mark Otto and all the families.
We loved John and love your whole precious family! We are careful to pray for you all often. He will be missed for now, but happily reunited one day.
My deepest sympathy, I have wonderful memories of John and his family at Long Lake. Gods Peace
Dear Judy and family…we are thankful to have shared a lifetime with John and your family. Precious memories of a life well-lived. Prayers of strength in the coming days.
I met John at Power Chevy in Phoenix. He taught me so much about the business and life. He was a mountain of a man in all respects. He loved his wife and family very strongly. If there was ever a man who was closer to God than life itself, it was John.
He will always hold a special place in my heart.