Rupert Richard Grant Otto

CHELSEA, Mich. - Rupert Richard Grant Otto, 96, died on June 16, 2015, at Towsley Village Memory Care Center in Chelsea. He was born May 3, 1919, in Bessemer, the second of three sons born to C.A. Otto and Margaret E. Otto.

He married Alice Fretz of Newberry, Mich., on June 1, 1943.

Rupert joined the Army in 1942. During the war, Rupert taught for three years at Ohio State University, and was discharged as a captain in 1946.

Rupert taught English and social studies for more than 40 years in Michigan public schools, and he was also known for his musical skills on piano and organ. His career as church organist began at the age of 13 and spanned more than seven decades.

He and Alice gave piano and organ lessons in their home for many years and were enthusiastic participants in the Friends of the Four Hand piano society. Rupert played the Barton organ on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Michigan Theater for many years.

Alice died of cancer in 2000 after 57 years of marriage. After her death, Rupert frequently played afternoon organ programs for retirees, assisted-living groups, government and service groups, church groups and others. In 2002, he designed a large three-manual draw knob concert organ for the new recital hall at his alma mater, Northern Michigan University, in Marquette.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and his younger brother, Donald.

He is survived by his brother, Fred, and by five children: Barbara Wilson, of California, John (Jerri), of Oregon, Margaret Otto, of Whitmore Lake, Deborah (Steve) Burling, of Ann Arbor, and Jim (Sarah) Otto, of Manchester. His grandchildren are Staci Elliott, James (Laura) Burling, Sarah (Andrew) Sesma and Logan Otto.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Michigan Theater Barton Organ Fund, c/o the Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty S., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, or to The Chelsea Music and Memory Project, Chelsea Retirement Community, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI, attention: Kori Rochefort.

The family would like to thank the staff at Towsley Village and Rupert's many friends for their caring support in the last years of his life.