Wilbur Otto

We had our father longer than most, but he still seems gone too soon.

Wilbur Ervin Otto, 95, Town of Rib Falls, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at home after a brief illness.

Wilbur was born May 18, 1928 in Wausau, son of Hugo Otto and Devina (Fenhouse) Otto. He graduated from Athens High School in 1946. On October 3, 1953, he married Charlotte Hilmershausen at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar.

Wilbur worked for the former Wisconsin Distributing Company of Wausau for 39 years, first as a truck driver and then as warehouse foreman. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 446 & 662. Wilbur was a longtime active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar for over 75 years where he served on the church council for many years. He also served on the Town of Rib Falls board. Wilbur was a lifetime resident of the Town of Rib Falls.

Among some of his pastimes were hunting, fishing, boating, mowing lawn and working in his hobby shop. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s many concerts and sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and four daughters: Marsha Otto, Marla (Thomas) Berg, Renee (Patrick) Steffen and Rachelle (Khamby) Phakitthong; seven grandchildren: Jamie Sterzinger (Preston Rau), Andrew and Sarah Steffen, Ally, Chentaly, Ashley and Chenpieng Phakitthong; a sister, Ruby Holzem, and a sister-in-law, Marlene Otto, along with several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Rodney and Gerald “Jerry”, and four half-siblings: Juanita, Neal, Doris and Avis.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 3, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 424 N. 3rd Ave., Edgar, with Pastor Gail Sowell presiding. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. at the church.

Burial was in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 95, Edgar, WI 54426.

The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Service for the great care they gave Wilbur.

We love you and will never forget you, Dad. God’s Peace. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Paid obituary 137592