Monte L. Otto

Monte Otto, 79, of Greeley, CO passed away on September 8, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. Monte was born to Louis and Clara (Marx) Otto on March 24, 1938 in Brighton, CO. He was the third child of six born into the family. His parents, older brother and sister, moved to Fort Lupton when he was still an infant. He attended school in Fort Lupton where his love of music was nurtured in the band and choir programs. He sang in the Methodist church choir and played trombone. He sang with "The Serenaders”, a student formed dance band. The band was particularly fond of playing Glenn Miller arrangements and provided music for many dances in the Weld County area. Monte attended Colorado State College (University of Northern Colorado) with a double major in Music and Elementary Education and minors in Business and German. It was during this time that he met Connie Harrison. They sang with the Chorale Airs, a group that toured the Far East with the U.S.O. They were married on August 28, 1960. Their favorite productions were their three children, Allyson, Roy and Reid. Mr. Otto enjoyed a career of teaching, performing, church music ministry and directing musical theater in the Metropolitan Denver Area. He taught at West Lakewood Elementary for one year, Manning Junior High for seven years, and Arvada West High School for twenty-two years. He performed regularly with The Mario Singers for eighteen years. Monte was a member of several professional education and music organizations serving as an officer in many. Monte accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on June 10, 1951 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Fort Lupton. His walk with his Lord Jesus was an important aspect of his life. He served in church music ministry at Evangel Baptist Church, Wheat Ridge, CO, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Arvada, CO and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Denver, CO After retiring in Greeley, he became a member of the First United Presbyterian Church, serving as interim choir director, a deacon, and on various other committees. Monte was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joanne and a brother, Duane. Monte is survived by his wife, Connie of Greeley; children Allyson (Wes) Gardner, Roy (Sally) Otto, Reid (Amy) Otto; grandchildren Emily (Lance) Rayburn, Allen (Candace) Gardner, Sarah Otto, Cari Otto, Jett Otto; brothers Delvin (Millie) Otto, David (Lois) Otto; sister Lolly Whiles; great-grandchildren Colton Rayburn, Pippa Rayburn, Marlee Rayburn, Lana Gardner, Avery Gardner; several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Cornerstone Community Church, 1321 9th Ave., Greeley. Memorial gifts may be given to Cornerstone Community Church - Music Ministry in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634.