Ned Robert Otto

Ned Robert Otto, 85, of Berlin Township, passed away early Monday morning, January 1, 2024, in his home after a lengthy illness. Ned was diagnosed years ago with Parkinson’s disease. In spite of that diagnosis, he continued to do all the things he wanted and loved.

He was born December 15, 1938, in Sandusky to Edward and Lucille (Green) Otto. He was a lifelong resident of Berlin Township living on the shores of Lake Erie. He was a 1956 graduate of Berlin Heights High School where he participated in baseball, basketball, and track. He was also an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and served as vice-president and president. He was a designated Ohio State Farmer, and a highlight was attending the National FFA Convention in St. Louis, MO. He was also active in 4-H and showed cattle at the Erie County Fair and Ohio State Fair.

After high school, he continued to work on the family farm, Jacob H. Otto and Sons with his father and brother. They grew greenhouse tomatoes, crop farmed, and raised registered Hereford cattle. He later became a licensed specialist by The State of Ohio to operate the large boilers for Otto Greenhouses.

When the family decided to close the greenhouse in November 1989, he continued farming until going to work at Great Lakes Packers in Bellevue where he retired in September 2013. He continued his lifelong passion of farming. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing on a men’s basketball league and bowling league. He was a volunteer for the Berlin Heights Fire Department, a 4-H advisor for Erie County, member of Edison Athletic Boosters, and Edison Music Boosters.

Ned enjoyed reading, especially history, and watching sports. He loved the outdoors and watching the eagles soaring along Lake Erie. He enjoyed taking his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on nature walks and fishing on their farm. He was a proud, quiet third generation farmer who didn’t require a lot of material things.

In addition to his parents, Ned was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Otto.

Ned and Nacy were very thankful and appreciative for family, friends, and SouthernCare for their care through Ned’s last few months.

Ned and Nancy were high school sweethearts. They were married on September 24, 1960, in the United Methodist Church in Huron where they were lifelong members.

Together they proudly attended their children’s and grandchildren’s school events. They looked forward to talking and spending time with their family on a daily basis and were grateful for these times. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to them.

They are survived by their daughters, Kris (Kevin Demuth) Wilson of Berlin Heights, Julie (Richard) Bernard of Centerburg, and Kara (Jim) Jones of Mooresville, IN; son, John Otto; grandchildren, Justin Wilson, Jillian Wilson, Derek Wilson, Trevor Jones, Ariel Jones, Taylor Jones, and Juliet Bernard; great-grandchildren, Camden Wilson, Lakyn Wilson, Callie Wilson, Madeleine Wilson, and Daxton Wilson; Ned’s sister, Dianne Woodson of San Diego, CA; Nancy’s brothers, Ronald (Lori) Johnson of Huron and Terry (Patty) Johnson of Huron; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

To honor Ned and Nancy, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Berlin Heights Conservation Club, 12217 Chapin Rd., Berlin Heights, OH 44814, from 1 – 6 PM.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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