Edwin "Ed" H. Otte

Edwin “Ed” H. Otte 87, of Millersport, Ohio died peacefully on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at the Pickering House. He was born in Adams Twp., Defiance County, Ohio on August 16, 1936, to the late John and Dora (Sundermann) Otte. Ed attended Ridgeville Local Schools through the 9th grade, and then completed his secondary education at North Richland-Adams High School, graduating in 1954.  Ed served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and then attended Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Ag Economics in 1964, and 1966.  Ed worked for the USDA in Kentucky for 5 years, before returning to Ohio where he was the Data Processing Manager for the Ohio Department of Agriculture for 28 years until his retirement. 

He was a member of the Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pickerington, Ohio, Lancaster-Fairfield County Charity Newsies and Millersport Senior Citizens.

A big part of his life was spent in the service of others through his work with the Millersport Lions Club. During his 43-year tenure as a Lion, Ed served in nearly every club office and beyond, to the state level where he served as Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer and District Governor. He was inducted into the District OH-7 Hall of Fame. He was Trustee Emeritus of the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation and served 6 years on the Central Ohio Lions Eye Bank Operating Board. Ed’s crowning achievement and position he loved the most was serving as Treasurer of the Millersport Lions Sweet Corn Festival for 34 consecutive years. In 2009, he was inducted into the Ohio Festivals & Events Association’s Legion of Honor.          

He is survived by his brother, John Otte;  nephews and  nieces, Edwin (Hallie) Nagel, Darrel Behrmann, Norman Wagner, Russel Wagner and Sara (Craig) Rosenbeck; great niece, Phoebe Rosenbeck: and brother-in-law Lawrence Behrmann.  He is also survived by his Millersport “Family”, Kris and Glen Keller and their spouses and their children. 

He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Evelyn (Delbert) Nagel, Hildegard Behrmann, Lillian Otte, Mildred Wagner, and infant siblings Melvin Otte, and Marie Otte.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 in the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 207 S. MAIN ST. BALTIMORE,OHIO 43105.  Friends may visit from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. A Lion's Club ceremony will be led by International Director Ron Keller at 6:30 pm. The funeral service at 7:00 pm will be officiated by Rev. Bradley Gee. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Napoleon Twp. Napoleon, Ohio. Rev. Daniel Dapelo will officiate, and the Ward L. Adams Post #454 will conduct military rites at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Ed requested that donations be made to the Millersport Lions Club, P.O. Box 506, Millersport, Ohio 43046.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.