Michael Lee Otto

Michael “Mike” Lee Otto, age 76, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born in Battle Creek, MI on December 15, 1949, and was raised in Bellevue, MI. A proud 1968 graduate of Bellevue High School, he went on to attend Olivet College, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. He later continued his education at Western Michigan University, earning a master’s degree in business.

Mike began his career as a teacher and coach at Bellevue High School, where he taught and mentored students for nine years. He later became a State Farm Insurance Agent in Charlotte, MI, where he served the community for more than 35 years, building lasting relationships with clients who became lifelong friends.

Throughout his life, Mike loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, coaching, building projects and spending time with family and friends. He especially loved coaching his children and cheering them on in their activities. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his grandchildren, where there was always plenty of wrestling, teasing, laughter and sweet treats.

Two of Mike’s favorite places were the family lodge, where he spent countless hours enjoying the outdoors and creating memories with those he loved, and Ouray, Colorado, where for many years he returned with family to hike, hunt and fish.

Mike was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help others. Over the years, he built three homes with his own hands alongside family and friends. He loved building and fixing things and was always the first to offer help or advice when someone had a project.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Joyce Otto; brothers, Gary, Steve and Dan Otto; and his grandson, Quinton Otto.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary (Clancy) Otto; his children, Stacey (Bryan) Sewell, Timothy Otto, Chelsey (Matt) Carpenter and Kyle (Tatiana) Otto; his cherished grandchildren, Logan (Kelsy) Otto, Austin (Gillian) Spaeth, Addison Sewell, Cassidy Otto, Emory Carpenter, Cam Carpenter and Lake Otto, and four great-grandchildren.

Mike will be greatly missed and remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, dedication to family and the many lives he touched throughout his life.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation PreNeed Care, Richland Chapel. Mike’s Life Celebration will be held on Sunday, March 15th at 11:00 am at the Richland Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike’s honor may be directed the the American Red Cross, 5460 Venture Court, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or to Heartland Hospice, 8075 Creekside Drive, # 120, Portage, MI 49024.

Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Mike may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.