Philip A. Otto

Our Lord called the soul of Philip Arden Otto to Himself in glory on January 26, 2020, at the age of 71 years.



Phil was born July 9, 1948, in Kenosha, WI, the son of Pastor Rudolph Otto and Edna (Stuebs) Otto. As an infant, he was born again through the waters of baptism at Peace Lutheran Church in Wilmot, WI, and on April 29, 1962, publicly professed his Christian faith in the rite of confirmation.



Phil attended Manitowoc Lutheran High School, graduating in the class of 1966. He then studied education at Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College and Dr. Martin Luther College, graduating in 1971.



He was united in marriage with Carolyn Schmelzer on September 4, 1971, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Remus, MI, and the Lord blessed their marriage with two children.



Phil served congregations in Rhinelander, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Kawkawlin, MI; and Fond du Lac, WI, as a teacher, choir director, and organist. After retiring from teaching, he continued as an organist, piano tuner, and faithful member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. He loved fishing with his beloved brothers, improvising on the piano, and showing his classic Volvo at car shows.



He is survived by his cherished wife, Carolyn of Fond du Lac; daughter, Stephanie Otto Ørvik and son-in-law, Karl Ørvik of Watertown, MA; son, Thomas Otto and daughter-in-law, Kathryn Otto of Bolton, MA; and grandsons, Cody and Caleb Ørvik. He is also survived by brothers, Paul (Gloria) Otto, Carl (Barbara) Otto, and Stephen Otto; mother-in-law, Chrysta Schmelzer; sister-in-law, Catherine (Bruce) Fehlauer; sister-in-law, Eunice Washburn; brother-in-law, Daniel (Patricia) Schmelzer; sister-in-law, Mary (Patrick) Enright; sister-in-law, Karleen (Dale) Oppermann; sister-in-law, Esther (Keith) Bowe; brother-in-law, Robert Lebamoff; and his dearly loved nieces and nephews.



Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Edna; sister, Edna (Otto) Schalow and brother-in-law, Pastor Lyle Schalow; sister-in-law, Peggy (Mercurio) Otto; niece, Angela Otto; father-in-law, Pastor Edwin Schmelzer; brother-in-law, Barry Washburn; and sister-in-law, Janet (Schmelzer) Lebamoff.



The visitation will be held Friday, January 31, 2020, from 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1600 S. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI, followed by the Christian funeral service at 12:00 noon. The burial will follow in Rienzi Cemetery. Friends and family are also invited to a luncheon immediately following the burial at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where a memorial fund has been established.



Hymn 434

Lord, let at last your angels come, to Abram’s bosom bear me home, that I may die unfearing.

And in its narrow chamber keep, my body safe in peaceful sleep, until your reappearing.

And then from death awaken me, that my own eyes with joy may see,

O Son of God your glorious face, my Savior and my Fount of grace.

Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend, and I will praise you without end.