Otto Belovich

Otto Belovich, 81, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on April 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Otto was born to Anthony and Leapoldine Belovich in Halle, Germany, on October 29, 1942. In 1952, Otto and his family emigrated to the United States of America, through Ellis Island. The family first settled in upstate New York. After receiving sponsorship through Holy Cross Catholic Church, they moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Otto began elementary school at St. Stephen’s Catholic Elementary school in the United States knowing just two words of English. Always a hard worker, Otto worked at a butcher shop before and after school. In addition, he was an altar boy at Holy Cross Church. Otto and his family enjoyed the family oriented, close knit, Slovenian immigrant community where they lived in Bridgeport. After graduating from Andrew Ward High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1961, Otto joined the United States Air Force on August 15, 1961. He completed his time in the Service in Empire, MI. Otto made many lifelong friends while in the service. Most importantly, Otto met a young lady named Kathleen Barnes at the local A&W. She described him as the boy with a funny name, and pants that were too short. Nevertheless, Kathleen became the love of Otto’s life, his forever partner and best friend. The couple were married on October 23, 1965 at the original Saint Francis Church in Traverse City. Otto was honorably discharged from the Air Force in August of 1965. He began civilian life by selling Fuller brushes door to door in Traverse City. Otto moved on from selling brushes to selling cars at Waples’ Plymouth Dealership in Traverse City. After his time with Mr. Waples, Otto went to work as a car salesman at Traverse City Volkswagen. In 1973, Otto and his partner Dan McCormick, established their first car dealership together. Over the years, Otto worked long and hard to build his business, eventually acquiring several franchises including Datsun, Volvo, Audi, Yugo, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mazda, Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, and Porsche. In 1994, he acquired Chet Swanson’s Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Subaru. Otto was a wonderful boss who prided himself on caring for his employees and being a honorable business man. Family was also very important to Otto. In 1970, he and Kathy welcomed their first child, a son whom they named Mark. In 1974, they welcomed their second child, a daughter, whom they named Amy. Otto and Kathy loved spending time with their children at school and sports activities, investing of themselves to make a beautiful life for their family. Otto and Kathy also enjoyed spending time with a large extended family in Connecticut and in Traverse City. In time, both Mark and Amy blessed their parents with grandchildren. Otto and Kathy loved spending time with Jared, Eva, Sydney and McKenna. Otto Belovich was a charming, funny and gracious man. He thought of other’s needs before his own, and was always available to give advice, or lend a helping hand. He always had a funny remark or a wisecrack up his sleeve. He was ever the optimist. Otto was a lifetime member of the Traverse City Elks Club. In addition, he was a member of Kiwanis and Rotary in Traverse City. Finally, Otto and Kathy were devoted members of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City. The Father Fred Foundation and Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools held special significance for Otto and his family. Otto was preceded in death by his loving wife Kathleen (nee Barnes), his parents, Anthony and Leapoldine Belovich, Kathleen’s parents, William and Eva Barnes, his brothers -in- law John Ray and William Barnes. Otto is survived by his beloved son Mark (Amy) and beloved daughter Amy (Randy), his grandchildren Jared, Eva, Sydney and McKenna, sisters Monica Ray and Leapoldine Belovich (Peter), a brother, Anthony Belovich (Patty), a sister-in-law Lucille Barnes, nephews John, Andrew and Joseph, nieces Katherine, Juliet. Visitation will be held for friends and family at St. Francis Catholic Church on Thursday, April 25th from 4pm until 7pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Friday, April 26th at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:00am. Burial with Military Honors will take place at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, Father Fred Foundation, or Mid Michigan Honor Flight.

Otto Belovich

October 29, 1942 - April 18, 2024