Howard Herbert Otto

Howard Herbert Otto, 85, of Kennan, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 11, 2026, surrounded by loving family. He was born on August 9, 1940, to Herbert and Rose, née Heino, in Ladysmith. Howard graduated from Phillips High School in 1958. He spent his early twenties helping his parents on their dairy farm and driving a milk truck for Liberty Cheese Factory, which is how he met his future wife. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Fuchs on August 7, 1965, in Catawba.

Howard devoted his life to milking dairy cows and raising beef cattle alongside his wife and sons in Kennan. One job he had off the farm was grading and snowplowing for the Town of Georgetown. He found joy in the familiar comforts of rural life, whether driving his pickup and UTV or working with his John Deere tractors. Howard enjoyed sitting on the deck and greeting neighbors with a friendly wave as they passed by. He loved polka music, especially tuning in to Y106.5’s “Polka Party” on Saturday mornings. Grandpa Howie cherished every moment with his granddaughters; taking them on rides, sharing ice cream, playing cards and checkers, and spending countless hours watching them play in the living room.

Howard is survived by his wife, Betty; their two sons, Gregory (Caroline) and Douglas (Jessica); five granddaughters, Kaley (Scott) Mateski, Tessa Otto, Megan Otto, Katie Otto, and Leah Otto; and three great-granddaughters, Chloe, Harper, and Lynzie Mateski. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorothy (Hank) Kusmerik; and his grandson, Brett Otto.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Catawba, WI, at 12:00 Noon. A Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 pm.