Otto Frederick Lau

Otto Frederick Lau

Otto Frederick Lau, 97, was peacefully born into eternal life on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

Otto was born in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. He was the son of Fred and Grace (Ubbelohde) Lau. He attended the Madison School, a one room school house, through 8th grade. He went on to graduate from Sheboygan Falls High School. He proudly served stateside in the Signal Corp of the United States Army during World War 2. After his discharge, he returned to Wisconsin and entered University of Wisconsin. He received his degree in Accounting/Business in 1950. He began his career as a CPA at RCA in Camden then Cherry Hill, New Jersey followed by Findley, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana. He retired in 1986. Besides his work at RCA, he was an adjunct instructor of accounting at Indiana Central, now University of Indianapolis, for several years.

While stationed in Peoria, Illinois during WW2, Otto met the love of his life, Catherine Wells, at a USO dance. They were married in April, 1947. They went on to enjoy 70 wonderful years together.

Wherever he lived, Otto was active in the church. He was a 50+ year member of the Irvington United Methodist Church. During those years he volunteered with the church in various roles, including several years as treasurer. He participated in a Volunteer in Mission trip to Liberia where he helped build a school. Otto also volunteered with the IRS, assisting with tax preparation at the local library. He also volunteered at the polls during elections for many years.

The University of Wisconsin Alumni Association - Indianapolis was a major part of Otto and Catherine's life. They particularly enjoyed playing bridge with other U of W graduates.

Otto enjoyed gardening. He was known in the neighborhood for the sea of red tulips in his yard each spring. He and daughter Mary always had a race to see who would have the first ripe tomato of the year. He also grew numerous other vegetables for the family to enjoy and to share with neighbors throughout the growing season.

Otto and Catherine enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family. They also enjoyed trips with Road Scholar, on tours to numerous locations domestically and internationally. They loved vacationing along Lake Michigan outside Frankfort, Michigan and spent many winter months on Florida's Gulf Coast. One of Otto's most memorable trips was rafting through the Grand Canyon with his brother Alfred.

In the last years of his life, Otto enjoyed the companionship of family and his friends at Lincoln Lodge. He always looked forward to his Sunday visits from granddaughter Jennifer and his great grandson, Unas (who's antics Otto particularly enjoyed).

Besides his wife, Otto was predeceased by his parents and siblings - Doris, Clifford, James, Edward, Walter and Clarence.

Otto is survived by his daughters Rev. Jane Baker and Mary Sutton; grandchildren - David Baker-Zappia, Thomas Baker, John Baker, Jennifer Sutton and Kari Sutton; great grandchildren - Dominic Zappia, Genevieve Zappia, Sebastian Zappia, and Unas Sutton. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Edna and brother, Alfred along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Service of Death and Resurrection celebrating Otto's life will be held at a future date.

Donations in memory of Otto may be made to the Irvington United Methodist Church, 30 N Audubon; Indianapolis, IN 46219.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Neptune Society- Indianapolis, where condolences may be shared with the family at www.neptunesociety.com.