G. Michael “Mike” Otto passed away peacefully after a brief illness on November 13, 2023. He was born in Fremont, Ohio on September 5, 1939. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth; children Sixten and Kirstra; grandchildren Benjamin, Aidan and Madeline; sisters Maria and Margretha; and brother Stephen.
Mike served in the Army from 1959 to 1961, stationed primarily in Berlin, Germany. He was thrilled to participate in Mission 76 of Honor Flight Rochester in April of this year.
After many years selling phototypesetting equipment and commercial software systems, Mike’s deep love of gadgets and technology led him to an encore career at the Apple Store. He worked there in many different roles for almost 20 years, up until his final illness.
Mike also began volunteering with the Rochester International Jazz Festival after retirement. You could find him every year as the stage manager of the Nordic Jazz venue, making sure that jazz fans had the best experience possible.
His lifelong faith and love of food led Mike to spearhead Food for the Soul, a program of Loop Ministries and Reformation Lutheran Church. He prepared hot meals once a month as part of the Loop’s food cupboard program. Mike firmly believed that sharing meals can bring people together. His charity work also included outreach through his church to Hope Ministries, a school and orphanage in Zambia, Africa.
There will be a celebration of life service at a future date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to: Foodlink, PO Box 60766, Rochester, Ny 14606-9998 or to Hope Ministries, Inc, PO Box 75, Kenoza Lake, NY 12750
I am saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. He did leave big shoes to fill in the Rochester area. He went to work on any projet with his heart and soul
May he rest from his labors in peace.
With Love,
Helga Peck
I never knew Mike, but he sounds like a fine man. I am grateful to him for bringing Sixten into the world (along with his wife). His legacy lives on in his wonderful children and grandchildren, as well as the many lives he clearly touched during his life. I’m so sorry for the loss to those of you who knew him and loved him best.