John Richard Jack Otto, Sr. was born Jan. 16, 1924, and raised in Robe Valley, which his family pioneered.
Jack died Nov. 13, 2006, after a long, happy and illustrious life with his family and friends who all loved him very much.
After graduating high school, Jack enlisted in the Navy serving his country for four years in the Mine-Sweep Fleet during WWII. Jack worked for West Coast Telephone Company for 22 years as Marysville branch manger before changing careers as a real estate developer. He was a civic leader holding offices as Marysville Chamber of Commerce President and Chairman of the Strawberry festival in the early years. Jack was also named, Top Industrialist for Snohomish County during that time.
Jack was an avid sportsman who loved and respected the outdoors and was an accomplished musician winning the state championship playing the saxophone while in high school. Jack was a 60 year member of the American Legion Post 178.
Jack is survived by his wife Ethel, of 60 years; sister, Marjorie Luma; daughters, Marilyn Betz and Patty Todd; son, John Otto Jr. and wife Susan; as well as his grandsons, Brent, John III, Jason, Taylor and granddaughter Kimmy; and six great-grandchildren and honorary son Stu Gordon, who was a great source of strength to Jack in his final months.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 20, 2006, at the Assembly of God, 4705 Grove Street, Marysville, WA. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to Sarvey Wildlife Center, P.O. Box 3590, Arlington, WA 98223. An Open house followed at the American Legion at Second and Cedar in Marysville, Wash..