Charles “Chuck” Henry Otto, Jr., 93, of Somers, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Born on September 7, 1932, in Chicago, IL, Chuck was the son of the late Charles Henry and Rose (Janicki) Otto. He grew up in Necedah, WI, where he developed the strong work ethic and love of the outdoors that would remain with him throughout his life.
Chuck proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from April 8, 1952, until his honorable discharge on April 7, 1955. During his service, he earned the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and Good Conduct Medal.
On February 22, 1957, Chuck married the love of his life, Jean Beadle, in Aitkin, MN. Over the years, they made their home in Kenosha, Boscobel, and Oshkosh, WI, as well as San Antonio, TX, before eventually returning to Kenosha, where they spent many of their later years together.
A skilled carpenter by trade, Chuck spent his working years creating, building, and repairing. He worked for several construction companies, and was most recently employed by Camosy Construction, where he spent more than 25 years before retiring. His talents, however, extended far beyond his profession. Chuck was the person friends and family could always count on when something needed to be fixed, built, or improved. He could make just about anything from wood, from practical household items to beautiful decorative pieces. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and, even more so, in the joy of sharing the things he made with others.
Chuck was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church and a former member of the Kenosha Running Club. He had a lifelong passion for being active, he enjoyed walking, cycling, running, gardening, sailing, and bowling. In his younger years, he regularly cycled an impressive 500 miles a week and completed numerous long-distance runs and cycling trips. His most memorable cycling adventures included participating in multiple SAGBRAWs (The Spectacular Annual Great Bike Ride Around Wisconsin.).
Above all, Chuck will be remembered for his independent spirit, remarkable energy, generosity, sense of humor, and willingness to help others. Chuck volunteered his time and talents to the University of Wisconsin–Parkside Athletics, where he volunteered for more than 20 years. Whether assisting with cross-country events or helping wherever he was needed, he was always willing to lend a hand and be part of the community he cared about.
He lived an active and purposeful life, always finding something to build, fix, grow, explore, or simply enjoy. His hands were rarely still, and his heart was always open to helping those around him. He leaves behind not only the things he built with his hands, but also the many lives he touched through his kindness, dedication, and friendship.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Jean Otto of Somers, WI; two children, Timothy (Patti) Otto of Albany, WI, and Beth (Barry) Penzenstadler of Oshkosh, WI; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and special friends, John and Penny Lyter Anntoneau and family of Wind Point, WI.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the many things he built and left behind.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, Kenosha, WI, orto a local veteran’s organization.
A memorial gathering will be held at Proko Funeral Home, 5111 60th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53144, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Full Military Honors will immediately follow the service. Interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on September 1, at 11:00 am.