Otto L. Nicely

Otto L. Nicely, age 79 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center with his family by his side. 
  
He was born on March 29, 1943 to the late John and Lena (Kiessling) Nicely in Defiance, Ohio. Otto proudly served our country as a veteran of the U.S. Army in the Military Police from 1964 to 1966. On November 7, 1964 he married Donna Stelter, who survives. 
  
Otto was a faithful and active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, and served as a Elder and on various committees. After serving in the Army, he was self-employed at Nicely's Carry-Out, he worked as the Superintendent for the Defiance County Highway Department, and he worked as a Quality Controller at Johns Manville. In 1995 he was appointed Defiance County Commissioner to fulfill the term of Bob Switzer until 1996. He was then elected for five more terms. He served as a Trustee of Noble Township for 14 years, and was a Noble Township Volunteer Fireman for 27 years. Otto supervised and formed the Water Board District for Noble Township. Otto was a lifetime member of Defiance AmVets #1991 and VFW Post #3360. He also served on the board of Developmental Disabilities and for NACO (National Commissioners Association).  

Otto loved outdoor activities and took great pride in his yard. In his leisure time he enjoyed going to high school ball games, and he loved spending time with his family. Many will remember him for his accomplishments and contributions to his community. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
  
Otto is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna Nicely of Defiance, his daughters, Cristina (Jarod) Kammeyer and Lora Nicely, his brother, Theodore (Phyllis) Nicely, his sister, Sally (Ferrel) Lee, sisters-in-law; Donna M. Nicely, Beverly Nicely, and Rose Nicely, his brother-in-law, Henry Gerken, and many nieces and nephews. 
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Gerken, his brothers, Floyd, Robert, Sam, and George Nicely, and his half brother, David Miler.
  
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 1:00 - 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 11:00am - 1:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church with a funeral service following immediately at 1:00 pm. Rev. Kurt Mews will be officiating followed by comments from Hal DeTray. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice, or St. Jude Children's Hospital. 

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