Mr. Otte was graduated from Columbus High School in 1942, from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1948, a Master’s degree in Education in 1953, and a Doctorate from the University of Colorado in School Administration in 1964. He taught and was Principal in Bartholomew County School System for thirty-five years. He also taught in Kitzingen, Germany, University of Wisconsin, Western State College of Colorado and The People’s Republic of China.
He was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving as President, Elder, and in many other positions. With other Grace members, he helped sponsor a Vietnamese refugee family and assisted in creating and teaching an English as a Second Language class at Grace Lutheran Church. He served with Laborer’s for Christ in helping build Minot Lutheran Church in Colorado.
Mr. Otte was in the 8th Armored Division from 1943-1945, serving in the Battle of the Bulge, in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe, earning the European Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars and completed his service as a Staff Sergeant.
He served as state president of the Indiana Elementary School Principal’s Association, was a member of Kiwanis, the American Legion, and the Senior Center.
He was born July 9, 1924 to Orville and Verba Carmichael Otte in Waymansville, Indiana.
He married Greta Padgett on February 15, 1947 in Bloomington, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years. He is survived by his sister, Jean Thompson of Columbus; brother in law, Vennis Padgett of Brook, Indiana; children, Bruce C. Otte (Jeanette) and Kristina C. Fitch (Ricky) all of Columbus; grandchildren, Heather Otte of Houston, TX, Luke (Katherine) Otte of Columbus, Benjamin Otte of Columbus, Josiah (Ashley) Fitch of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Hailey Hennessy, Alison (Jacob) Kennedy, Rachael (Corey) Lehman all of Columbus, Brian Bayly of Indianapolis and Tyler Bayly of Denver, CO; three great granddaughters.
A Memorial Service will be held a Grace Lutheran Church on Monday at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. John Armstrong officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be given to Grace Lutheran Foundation.
Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.Myers-Reed.com.
Myers-Reed Chapel is serving the Otte family.
