Obituary of Peter Otter

Peter John Otter was born June 26, 1927 in Waltz from the union of the late Peter and the late Florence C. (Eberline) Otter. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran, Waltz. Later, Peter was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church where he would marry, his love, Lila Mae Boehm on May 20, 1950. They were blessed with the birth of a devoted son: Ross (Pam) Otter of Monroe, and three grandchildren: Shawn (Stephanie) Otter of Austin, Texas, Shannon Otter and Brian Tam of Westland, and Ryan (Elizabeth) Otter of Murfreesboro, TN. From 1944-1947, Pete served with the Army Air Corps 53rd Weather Squadron Hurricane Hunters. He served for twenty-three years with the Michigan National Guard retiring in 1975 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Peter worked as a mechanic for Detroit Edison for 19 years retiring July 1, 1989. He was a member of the Detroit Edison Activity Board. He had a love for airplanes and owned a Taylor Craft airplane with his cousin, Melvin. He was a member of the Canvasback Gun Club and enjoyed hunting especially deer, pheasant, and turkey and also was an avid Fisherman. He enjoyed bowling and golf. Pete participated with the Relay for Life as a member of Sam's Fans. In 2006, he was chosen the first King as the longest male cancer survivor. Pete and Lila were members of the Monroe Senior Center and a lifetime member of the Frenchtown Senior Center where he served on the Travel Committee. He was a member of American Legion Matt Urban Post #40. He shared many memories with his sister: Dolores Otter of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and sisters-in-law: Molly Green and Shirley Fahnestock both of Carleton. Peter J. Otter, age 81, of Frenchtown Township passed away peacefully at Mercy Memorial Hospital December 31, 2008. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by siblings: Amelia Knox, Henry Fahnestock, Bill Green, Margaret Dawson, and Violet Mientkiewicz. Friends may gather from 4:00pm-8:00pm; Saturday and from 1:00pm-8:00pm; Sunday at Merkle Funeral Service, (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am, Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Reverend Jeffrey Walsh associate pastor will officiate. Burial will follow at Michigan Memorial Park. Memorials are requested to Relay for Life, Mercy Memorial Hospice, or Trinity Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.