Otto Gaschke

Otto Gaschke, 74, passed into the presence of his loving Heavenly Father on December 27, 2023, in Bloomington, IN, after a year-long battle with cancer. Otto was a kind, loving, gentle, self-sacrificing, and generous man whose life can best be summarized by saying he loved his God, loved his family, and loved others around him.

Otto was the devoted husband of 51 years to Barbara "Barb" Gaschke; the dedicated father to Candice "Candi" (Brian) Nantz, Andy (Jenny) Gaschke, and Daniel (Emilie) Gaschke; and the loving Opa to nine grandchildren: Charlotte, John (Shiloh), and Thomas Nantz, and Heidi, Andrew, Kiersten, Will, Ellie, and Braydin Gaschke. Otto was the beloved son of the late Julius, Sr., and Emma Gaschke, and the loving brother of the late Fred (Doris "Dot"), Julius (Miriam), and John (late Carla) Gaschke.

Otto was born in Beinrode, Germany, on March 15, 1949. His family immigrated to the United States in 1951 and settled on a dairy farm in Suring, WI, where Otto and his brothers grew up and worked hard together. As a teenager, his family moved to Milwaukee, WI, where, the day after his 18th birthday, Otto began his 38-year career at Briggs & Stratton, using his precision and attention to detail as a tool and die machinist. Otto worked long and hard to provide a comfortable life and opportunities for his family.

Otto was the very definition of a faithful, loving family man who, outside of his family, didn't really have any regular hobbies or activities. He loved being with his family, working on household projects, spending time outdoors, enjoying meals together, and simply talking, laughing, and being together.

Otto was a member of StoneRidge Baptist Church in Bloomington, IN, where he enjoyed worshipping, serving, and fellowshipping with those in his church family. Over the years, he faithfully served in numerous ministries, often behind the scenes. Otto's Christian faith was central to him all throughout his life.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 30, 2023, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm for family and friends at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI at the Chapel of the Chimes. Instead of flowers, the family asks that, in Otto's memory, you consider making a donation to or volunteering at a church, nonprofit, or other organization that is meaningful to you. Donations can also be sent to StoneRidge Baptist Church in Otto's name.