David Dwight Otto

by Emily Goetz

Good afternoon. My name is Emily Goetz and I am one of David's four nieces.

David Dwight Otto, or as I called him, Uncle David, was a wonderful man, plain and simple. He held many titles in his life: son to Jinny and Johnny, brother to Debbie, Marilyn and Karen, uncle to Ben/Abby/Libby/Evan/Emily/Audrey/Brendan, cousin to his beloved Schuettes, friend to many, soul mate of Kathy Carter, guitarist, conversationalist, among others.

When thinking about his life (or at least the 22 years of his life I got to participate in) and what he meant to people, I started thinking about life in general. Death tends to do that I guess. I pondered the important markers of life that would make life worth living and I decided on 3, that if at the end of my life, I could "check off", I would be satisfied with a life well lived. It just so happens that they fit very well with some of the best aspects of Uncle David's life.

Number 1: Be a good person. Number 2: Be an awesome friend. And Number 3: Love those closest to me.

Number 1: Be a good person.

This is a little generic, I know, and it can vary by individual as to what it qualifies. However, if you can leave this life making more good impressions than bad, most people would consider that a good person. One of the best things about David is that he could talk to anyone, and he was truly one of the most social people I know. I remember my dad speaking about the time David spoke with the cashier at the "Golden Toe sock store" for 30 minutes as if they were best friends. He left knowing more about that man than probably any other customers combined knew, because he took the time. He always took the time, and he always treated people with respect.

Number 2: Be an awesome friend.

David was known for his social groups. He met with several during the week...solving the world's problems at the 16th St. McDonald's over coffee. He was on the committee for high school reunions and got to keep in contact with everyone. He had friends from Inwood Drive, Tulane and Antioch, his different jobs throughout his life, and all over the country. He was active on Facebook, remembering important events and being ever present.

Number 3: Love those closest to me.

He had many in his life whom he loved. He loved his family, from all the birthday cook-outs and Christmas mornings at our house to the graduations he attended. While distance kept some of us apart for extended periods of time, we all knew he loved us. Now there is another person who cannot be forgotten. Kathy Carter was the love of his life. A fairy tale story of high school sweethearts who went their separate ways and reconnected while planning one of those reunions (I see now why he did it!) Kathy brought out the best in David, and even though I didn't know Kathy before David, I assume it was mutual. I thank God every day that He brought you into our lives.

A life well lived-everyone has their own idea of what marks this, from career success or financial security or love. But I can honestly say that in my mind, David Dwight Otto lived a full and meaningful life and we will all have our memories with him and know that our lives were better by him being a part of it.