The Villages, Florida—Jack LeRoy Otto passed away Monday, May 9th, 2016, surrounded by family.
Jack was born in Lansing, MI, on May 10, 1926 and grew up in East Lansing.
Upon graduation from East Lansing High School in 1944, Jack Otto served in the U.S. Navy until entering Michigan State University in 1946. He married Barbara Rowley, his high school sweetheart in 1947. Jack received a BS degree from MSU School of Business with a major in accounting in 1950.
Employed by the international public accounting firm of Ernst & Young, Jack worked in both the Lansing and Detroit offices, and was made a partner in the firm in 1964. Appointed Managing Partner in charge of the Michigan District in 1967, he was active in the Detroit community serving on the Boards of Harper-Grace Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Michigan Colleges Foundation, United Foundation, United Community Services, Detroit Area Hospital Council, and the Economic Club of Detroit.
In 1981, after thirty two years with Ernst & Young, including the last fourteen as Managing Partner of the Detroit office, Jack retired from public accounting and was appointed Executive Director of the McGregor Fund, a $100 million dollar philanthropic foundation making grants to educational institutions, health and welfare agencies, the arts, and other charitable organizations.
Late in 1985, Jack and Barbara decided to make a permanent residence of their summer home on Glen Lake, and with full retirement, moved to the north woods. Until Jack reached the mandatory retirement age of 70, he served on the governing boards of Standard Federal Bank, and St. Clair Group of Funds (mutual funds). In addition, Jack served on the following Boards: Child & Family Services for nine years and was a Trustee of the Foundation, six years on Crystal Downs Country Club, and the Glen Lake Association, serving as Treasurer for both. Jack was on the Vestry and served as Treasurer of St. Philips Episcopal Church for twenty one years before retiring in 2007. Jack was also active in the Traverse City Rotary Club.
His dear Barbara passed away December 27, 2004, one week after their 57th wedding anniversary, from breast cancer. In addition, he lost a daughter, Julianne, to colon cancer in 2009. His beloved dog Ginger preceded him in death in November 2015.
Jack's surviving children include; Linda (Robert) Senese of Jackson, MI; James (Gail) of Clarkston, MI; Thomas (Dianne Rodriguez) of Indian Rocks Beach, FL; and Nancy (Frank) Zeller of Cody, WY. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, all who provided much joy and pleasure. Also surviving are 3 siblings; Richard (Lorayne) Otto, Thomas Otto and Mary Lou (Jack) Fahres.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; James and Edith Otto, his wife Barbara Jean (Rowley), two brothers; James Jr. and Allen, daughter Julianne Fritzsche, and daughter-in-law Valerie (Tom) Otto.
A memorial service is being planned in Beulah, MI for the summer of 2016. Those planning a memorial can make contributions to Child and Family Services of Traverse City, MI or The Villages Hospice House, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jack's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.