Roman Arthur Otto Sr.

Roman Arthur Otto, Sr., 87, of Columbia, SC passed away on June 2, 2025. Mr. Otto was born in Princeton, Minnesota, on September 21, 1937, to Werner John Otto and Margaret Ruhoff Otto. He was the fourth of nine children. He graduated from New Richmond Senior High School. Roman enlisted in 1956 and served for twelve years. He did one tour in Vietnam. He received a Bronze Star in 1967 for retrieving a fallen comrade while under enemy fire. After his military career, he lived in Columbia, SC. He retired from Koyo Bearings located in Orangeburg, SC. Mr. Otto enjoyed bowling, reading and working in his garden. He volunteered at the Richland County Library Southeast Branch.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Gertrud Bohler Otto; daughter, Wanita Otto Russell (James) and son, Roman Arthur Otto Jr.; grandchildren, Nicholas Wilson (Deborah), Victoria Stepp (Andrew), Roman (Trey) Otto III, Warner Otto and Evan Otto; great grandchildren, Fletcher Wilson, Sebastian Stepp and Violet Stepp. He is also survived by five siblings, Catherine Jarchow, Mary Andersen, Rosella Kattre, Delores Johnson and Mark Otto.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Francis Otto, Rita Jarvis and Ann Lukes.

There will be a graveside service on June 21, 2025 at 11 o’clock AM at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC. Services will be provided by Caughman-Harman Funeral Home.