Greetings from the great beyond! This is Paul Dale Otto, checking in. Born in Norfolk, NE, on the 20th of August, 1956, I decided to shake things up a bit and slide into the afterlife on March 10, 2025. You know, just to keep everyone on their toes. I’ve been trucking through life, literally and figuratively, having spent many of my working years behind the wheel, traveling across this great continent. As Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started,” and boy did I get started.
I resided in Wisner, Nebraska, but my heart and golf cart have journeyed far and wide, from wintering in Donna, TX, to camp hosting in Yankton, South Dakota. I always enjoyed a good game of petanque, euchre, or an incredibly long game of Risk. I mean, really, who needs sleep when world domination is at stake? Aside from my fondness for games, horseshoes, and cribbage, I was also an avid camper, social butterfly, and a walking encyclopedia of rock and roll trivia. I always had a song or lyric in my head for any moment and could break out the air guitar at the drop of a hat.
Over the years, I’ve been a foster parent, a Boy Scout leader, and a father figure to many. My bear hugs were legendary, my advice was free, and my big booming voice could either entertain or terrify, depending on the situation. You know, just keeping it versatile. I’ve been blessed with a large and loving family, starting with my first marriage to Rose Swallow on May 7, 1977. I extended and expanded that family when I reconnected with my childhood sweetheart Brenda Krelle Schultz and married her on February 29, 1988, creating our wonderful, blended family. Surviving me are my wife Brenda, my children Ramsey and Diana Otto, Sasha Otto, Aaron Otto, Tina & Todd Jochum, Heather and Mike Olmer, Casey and Melissa Schultz, and Andrew and Kara Wells, a whopping 19 grandkids, 3 great grandkids, and my sisters Kim Stowell, and Kelly and Darcy Gansebom. They’ve had the joy of my company, and now they’ve got the stories to tell. Preceding me in death were my parents, Delbert and Delilah, my grandson Isaac, my sister and brother-in-law, Geri and Dan, and my brother Bill.
As I embark on this new journey, I leave you with the words of Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” I’ve had a great run, and I hope you’ll remember me as I was-fun-loving, dedicated, and full of wit. Please drop by my memorial page to share your favorite stories of me, upload photos, and enjoy a good laugh in my honor. After all, laughter is the best way to keep the memories alive. Until we meet again, keep the party going for me!
Memorial Services will be on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Christ in Wisner, NE, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Minnick Funeral Home in Wisner is assisting with the local arrangements.