Jonathan A. Otto

Jonathan Otto was born in 1947 in Grand Forks, North Dakota; his parents were Allen and Irene Otto; his only sibling was older sister Sandra. He tragically lost his father in 1964. After working on a railroad and touring with the University of North Dakota Varsity Bards, he eventually settled in Chicago, Illinois, where he learned his life-long occupation of respiratory therapist. It was also in Chicago that he discovered the Church of God, embarking on a spiritual path and joining a community that would endure for the rest of his life.

In 1977, he married Debra, with whom he had three children, Benjamin, Jonathan, and Rebecca. In 1989, they moved to Waterville, Ohio. He and Debra divorced in 1996. He lost his mother in 2007.

Via Rebecca, he had two step-grandchildren, Jazzmyne and William, and two biological grandsons, Jonathan and Cole. In 2015, he moved to Olney, Maryland, to be part of a household that would eventually include himself, both of his sons, daughter-in-law Sonia, and grandsons Alexandru, Teodor, and Luca. In 2020, they all moved to Clarksville, Maryland. It was in that same year that he lost his sister.

Over the course of his lifetime, Jonathan's interests included fresh-water fishing, collecting coins, raising guppies for fun and profit, gardening, and internet trawling. He was a fantastic singer. He had a strong work ethic, fierce eye for a bargain, and superhuman cheerfulness. His favorite saying was "Life is learning."

He died unexpectedly in 2024 at the age of 77. It is difficult to convey how much he will be missed.

A Memorial Gathering for Mr. Otto will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 12:00 to 4:00PM, with a Memorial Service starting at 1:00PM (Will be livestreamed HERE ) at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029. Interment will be private.