OTTO ZILLMAN

Otto Walter Zillmann, age 72, of Raymore, Missouri died Monday, October 21, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Otto, the son of Reinhard and Fern Zillmann, was born May 25, 1952 in Onaga, Kansas. He received his primary education from the country school house located one mile from the family farm. Otto went on to receive his high school diploma from Onaga High School in Onaga, Kansas in May of 1970.

In December of 1971, at the age of 19, Otto was drafted into the military where he signed up for 4 years of military service in the United States Air Force. Otto attended basic training at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After basic training, Otto went to Wichita Falls, Texas for a 13 week aircraft maintenance course. He then spent 12 weeks as an aircraft maintenance specialist at the Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He was later stationed at the Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi for 18 months where he became an aircraft maintenance technician on the T-38: a twin-engine, two-seat, high-altitude, supersonic jet. After serving in the states, Otto volunteered to go to the Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. While there, he had the opportunity for the first time to meet and develop strong family connections to his German family. During his time off, he enjoyed backpacking through several countries in Europe. Otto was released from active duty in December of 1975 and later received an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces in November 1977 as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force.

After leaving the military, Otto went back home to work on the family's dairy farm for a year and then later moved to Emporia, Kansas for an employment opportunity with the IBP processing plant. Otto and Nina (Radford) Zillmann were married on October 15, 1977 at the United Methodist Church in Horton, Kansas. Following the marriage, Otto and Nina moved to Gove, Kansas for a year where Otto worked for a cattle rancher and Nina taught special education in Oakley, Kansas. In the Summer of 1978, Otto and Nina returned back to Emporia, Kansas and Otto started employment with Modine Manufacturing. In April of 1979, they welcomed a daughter, Michelle Dawn Zillmann and later welcomed their second daughter, Stacey Marie Zillmann in July of 1984. Otto and Nina resided in Chase County, Kansas where Otto worked for Modine Manufacturing from 1978-2005. Otto was a tube mill set up operator. When Modine Manufacturing closed operations, Otto and Nina moved to Olathe, Kansas in the summer of 2006 to be closer to their daughter Michelle and grandchildren. Otto worked for Croft Trailer Supply in Olathe until 2014 repairing all types of trailers. Upon retirement, he continued to work part-time for Menards in Olathe. In the Summer of 2019, Otto and Nina moved to Raymore, Missouri.

Otto was a farm boy at heart and loved being outside. He enjoyed horses, raising cattle and hunting deer with his bow and rifle. He also enjoyed welding where he built custom trailers and a meat smoker to make deer sausage. Otto was a jack of all trades and loved tinkering around the house on things trying to fix them. He had a lot of fix it projects. Otto also loved looking at coins, taking the camper to the lake and traveling with family. Otto and his family traveled to most of the states in the U.S. Some of his favorite and most memorable trips were: a cruise to Alaska and his vacations to Europe to explore different countries and spend time with family in Germany. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially attending as many activities as possible with his children and grandchildren.

Otto is survived by his wife, Nina of the home, two daughters: Michelle (Manuel-deceased) Sanchez of Belton, Missouri; Stacey (Ross) Youmans of Derby, Kansas; a brother Paul Zillmann of Wamego, Kansas; and a sister Elaine (Wayne) Norman of Brookville, Kansas and 8 grandchildren: Daniela, Adriana, Christina, Anabel and Alex Sanchez of Belton, MO; Ethan, Liam, and Charlotte Youmans of Derby, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father Reinhard Zillmann, his mother Fern Zillmann and his brother Robert Zillmann.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Faith Baptist Church in Raymore, MO followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 pm. Cremation will follow. Interment will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the old St. Luke's country cemetery in the Wheaton, Kansas community which is close to his family's farm.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278