Robert Jerome Otto

Robert (Bob) J. Otto, age 97, of Brookhaven, GA, passed away on March 26, 2026. Born November 24, 1928, to George A. and Martha (Rodencal) Otto of Oshkosh, WI.
Bob began his love of music at an early age. He played the trombone throughout his school years, with a traveling group call the "Hub Cap Orchestra" and was part of the 7th Infantry Division Army Bank during his service years in the Korean War. Upon his return from the war, he finished his bachelor's degree in music from UWM where he had met his beautiful bride-to-be, Louise Marie McBride, also a music major. On June 25, 1954, they married and began their musical careers and their family. The journey began in Manitowoc, WI, as a music educator. In June 1955, their son, David, was born. In 1958, Bob accepted a Sales Manager position with Beihoff Music Company of Milwaukee, WI, (where he remained through 1967). Their second child, Laura, was born July 1958. During these years Bob directed, and Louise accompanied the choirs at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Milwaukee, WI. In 1968, Bob was offered the opportunity to transfer to Atlanta, GA, and accepted the position of General Manager of the newest Atlanta Branch store for the renowned JW Pepper, the largest music distributor in the county. He retired as Vice President of Pepper-Atlanta in 2000.
Bob and Louise again made time to pass along their love of music by directing the Chapel Youth Choir at Dunwoody Methodist Church from 1972-1975. David and Laura along with their fellow members of the Chapel Choir performed many Christian Musicals not only at DUMC, but other churches in the southeast. By far, the biggest thrill musically was to sing for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus for 17 years under the direction of the legendary Robert Shaw. Bob and Louise had the opportunity to sing in some of the country's great venues, including Carnegie Hall.
After the children graduated and started their own adventures, Bob and Louise decided to leave their Dunwoody home and build their forever home in north Roswell. They joined Christ the King Lutheran Church in Peachtree Corners, GA. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada, including Victoria BC, and visits with relatives and friends in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Florida. They also crossed the ocean a few times exploring England, France, Italy and other parts of Europe.
Bob became affectionately known as Papa Bob after he became a grandparent with David & Cheryl's first born, McKenzie, in 1993, and then Austin in 1996. "How a person lights up spending time with grandchildren!" The nickname "Papa Bob" became widely used by others lovingly.
Louise was diagnosed with terminal leukemia and passed September 13, 2001. Bob's four-legged best friend, Digger, the 120 lb. Yellow Lab, became his constant companion until his untimely death only six months later. Bob was not an idle person and went back to work part-time with Pepper-Atlanta until he reached the age of eighty.
Being open to love again, he met Katherine Moore, who was also recently widowed. It was meant to be. Bob and Katherine traveled extensively as well, including 17 trips to Costa Rica, journeys to South Africa and Iceland, and other excursions to Europe. Bob enjoyed fine dining and appreciated Katherine's talent at her fine-art showings. In 2008, their beloved Shih Tzu, Mingli, became a part of the family for 15 years.
Bob's hobbies were many and varied, including gardening, bird feeding, keeping active, handwriting analysis, history, current events, trying out new recipes and becoming a top notch "Weber" grill master. He also collected an extensive assortment of fine crystal pieces. But most of all his legacy was of true intellect, wisdom and life-long learning.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha Otto; brother and sister-in-law, David W. and Carol Otto; sister and brother-in-law, Jana and Jim Heller; dearly loved wife, Louise M. Otto; and son, David B. Otto (January 31, 2026).
He is survived by Katherine Moore of 24 years; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Robbie Paul; daughter-in-law, Cheryl C. Otto; granddaughter and spouse, McKenzie and RJ Bowman; grandson and spouse, Austin and Ailee Otto; great granddaughter, Opheelia; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A private, family-only memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church in his memory. You may give online www.ctklutheran.org and selecting the General Memorial Fund, or mail a check with Bob Otto Memorial Service written on the memo line to 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092.