Melvin “Joe” Otto Jr.
Melvin “Joe” Otto Jr., passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2026, in Gladwin, MI, at the age of 93. Born on April 10, 1932, in Bay Port, MI.
Joe’s early life in Sebewaing set the stage for a lifetime of dedication and hard work. He graduated from Sebewaing High School in 1949. His commitment to his country was evident when he served in the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. Upon returning, Joe married Marlene Anderson, and they began their journey together in Sebewaing, MI, moving to Gladwin, MI after two years and celebrated 66 years of marriage on May 23, 2025.
Joe worked at Wallace and Morley, after high school welding and constructing silos. When Joe became the general sales manager for Brown Machine in Beaverton, MI, he travelled internationally for 15 years. Joe became the owner of Future Mold Corp in Farwell, continuing his legacy for 49 years. Even in his later years, Joe looked forward to contributing to his company a couple of mornings a week until his passing.
Joe’s was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Society of Plastics Engineers. His passion for education and development led him to serve on the board of Mid-Michigan Community College Tech Center and the Gladwin Area Ice Arena. He was an avid sports enthusiast and outdoorsman. In 1960, he was part of Gettel’s Fastpitch Softball Team that won the Class C State Championship, an achievement that saw him honored at the Michigan Sugar Festival and as a grand marshal of the festival parade. His love for golf resulted in four hole-in-ones, and he was a proud member of Gladwin Heights and Sugar Springs golf clubs. Joe enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and looked forward to deer hunting each year, spending time at his deer camp with family and friends.
Joe is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter, Melanie (Randy) Lewis; son, Michael Otto; brother, Lee Otto; sister-in-law, Lorraine Otto; grandchildren: Christopher (Hailee) Lewis, Nicklaus (Urailek-Fiance) Lewis, Taylor (Brittany) Otto, Cameron (Makenzie) Otto; seven great-grandchildren: Brayden, Cayde, Maya, Easton, Lincoln, Weston, and Blake; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Otto and Frieda (Koteskey, Otto) Bueschlen; brothers: Donald (Shirley) Otto, Lester Otto; sister, Shirl (Bill) Kundinger; sisterin- law, Yvonne Otto; and daughter-in-law, Kelly Otto.
Per Joe’s wishes a private service will be held by the family. Those wishing to express condolences are asked to consider a donation to the New Beginnings Methodist Church, 309 M-18, Gladwin MI 48624.