William F. Otto

William F. Otto, 95 of Las Cruces, NM died December 17, 2009 at La Posada, Mesilla Valley Hospice. William was born August 10, 1914 in Baltimore, Maryland to Alexander and Lillian Otto. He served his country honorably, retiring from the US Navy as a Lt. Commander. William was a Pearl Harbor survivor on the USS Vestal; he had received the Good Conduct Medal nine time over his career, the American Defense Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; the China Service Medal as well as many other medals and citations. He retired after 31 years of service in the US Navy and went on to work and retire from New Mexico State University. He was member of the Elks Club, the Picacho Hills Country Club, and of the New Mexico Pearl Harbor Survivors Club. William is survived by his son William E. Otto of Murrysville, PA; five daughters, Mary Margaret Gillette of New York City, NY; Elizabeth Ellen Smith, Helen Louise Broda, Linda Susan Hall, and Catherine Anne Otto all of Oklahoma City, OK. Also surviving him is one brother and one sister, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at Getz Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 10 am on Monday, December 21, 2009 at Getz Funeral Home Chapel with the burial to be at 9:30 am on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Richard Schlater. PDF Printable Version