Herbert Henry "J.R." Otto Jr.

Herbert Henry "J.R." Otto Jr., age 72, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018, at his home. He was born on October 4, 1946 in Linn, Mo., the son of Herbert Henry Sr. and Hilda Sybilla (Ruetgers) Otto. He was married on November 4, 1984 in St. Louis, Mo. to Sharon Jeanne Ketts, who survives of the home. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, J.R. graduated from Linn High School in 1964 and Linn State Technical College in 1980. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator with Krupp Equipment. J.R. enjoyed hunting, fishing and listening to old time rock and roll. He also had a great love for dogs, with Yorkies and Shih Tzu's being his favorite. Some of his fondest memories were spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. J.R.'s family will miss his sense of humor and orneriness he had the best April Fool's pranks. He was always such a people person and never met a stranger. Survivors include his loving wife, Sharon Otto; his children, Michelle McPeak, Susan Otto, Cynthia Carter, and Megan (Nicholas) Pratte, all of Jefferson City, Mo.; his siblings, Robert (Sharryn) Otto of Jefferson City, Mo., James (Claudia) Otto of Huey Town, Ala., and Karen (Dan) Cobble of Jefferson City, Mo.; one sister-in-law, Angie Otto of Jefferson City, Mo.; 14 grandchildren, Jessica McPeak, Jeffrey McPeak, Michael McPeak, Christopher Miles, Brooke Dudenhoeffer, Heather Otto, Jamie Otto, Joshua Carter, Brittney Otto, Destiney Maxey, Carley Schmitz, Ethan Pratte, Gavin Pratte and Kiley Pratte; and 13 great-grandchildren, Parker McPeak, Carter Muntali McPeak, Abbigail Martin, Conner McPeak, Ashlyn McPeak, Grace Dudenhoeffer, Faith Dudenhoeffer, Norah Dudenhoeffer, Addilyn Otto, Elijah Otto, Gabriel Hoffman, Jayce Lampke Otto and Delilah Davis; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. J.R. was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Sr. and Hilda Otto; his daughter, Christy Otto; his granddaughter, Amanda McPeak; and three siblings, Larry Otto, Kathy Otto and Ralph Otto. A memorial service for J.R. will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com