Paul G. Otto, 70
Paul G. Otto, of Stevens Point, passed away on April 9, 2024, at home, just 12 days shy of his 71st birthday.
Paul was born April 21, 1953, in Appleton, Wis., the son of the late George and Barbara (néeGonion) Otto. He grew up in the area, attending local schools. In 1971, Paul graduated from Xavier High School in Appleton.
Following high school, Paul joined the seminary for a short period of time before joining the United States military in 1972. He was first stationed at Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX. It was here where he met Linda Stevick and the two were married on January 26, 1974.
He was then stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, then to Kaiserslauten, Germany, and finally to Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. While stationed in Wiesbaden, Paul became a proud father when his daughter, Elisabeth “Lisa” Christine Otto was born on February 2, 1975.
In 1979, Paul was honorably discharged from service and returned to civilian life.
He made his way back to Wisconsin, settling in Stevens Point. He attended UW-Stevens Point and attained an associates degree in 1986. From there, he followed his passion of sports and worked as a Golf Pro for various courses in Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Furthermore, he worked as a golf instructor; sharing his skills and love of the sport with others.
While Paul made a career out of golf, and genuinely enjoyed playing the game, he was an avid sports fan all around. He enjoyed watching all the Wisconsin sports teams and enjoyed attending events as well. Paul and his brother, Bill, attended the PGA Masters and numerous other sporting events together. Paul cherished this time with his brother until Bill’s passing in 2021. They were members of the Greater Orange Moose Invitational (GOMI), established in 1991, and enjoyed annual golf outings with family and extended family.
Paul cherished all the time spent with his loved ones, especially at the Peeters Farm in Greenville. He was an extremely proud grandpa to his grandson, Jacob “Jake” William, and although he was never able to meet her, he was just as proud of his great-granddaughter, Winona Louis. Paul was a social man who enjoyed time with friends, especially playing cribbage with his friend, Eugene. In his quieter moments, Paul was an avid reader. Above all else, Paul cared very deeply for his family, even when he wasn’t showing it.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Paul is survived by his daughter, Elisabeth (Eric) Westman; his grandson, Jacob (Brenna) Otto; his great-granddaughter, Winona Otto; two step-grandchildren, Alex (Else) Westman and Aaron (Jesica) Westman; and two step-great-grandchildren, Naomi and Easton Westman. He is further survived by two sisters, Linda (Pete) Peeters and Patti Borchardt; a brother, John (Ruth) Otto; and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, George and Barbara; his brother, William “Bill” Otto; and his brother-in-law, Rob Borchardt.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 27, 2024. Friends and family are invited to gather and share favorite memories from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rookies Sports Club, 3425 Church St., Stevens Point. To honor Paul, please feel free to wear your favorite Wisconsin sports team attire.
Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.
