Otto W. Fricke Jr.

Otto W. Fricke Jr., age 78, of Grand Haven passed away Wednesday, February 14 2018. Otto was born on October 23, 1939 in Muskegon to Otto Sr. and Elizabeth (McShannock) Fricke. Otto attended Grand Haven High School and went on to graduate from the police academy. He was employed by the City of Grand Haven as a patrolman which later became Grand Haven Public Safety where he served as a Public Safety Officer and firefighter, until his retirement in 1995. He married Cheryl Marod on July 13, 1977 in Grand Haven. During his time with the city, he also served with the Ottawa County Sheriff department, Michigan State police Underwater Recovery Team and Coast Guard.  He and Cheryl purchased Fricke Marine Construction upon his father’s passing, remodeled and reopened Fricke Marine. Otto was an avid outdoorsman, loved hunting and fishing, and was an expert marksman. He loved his motorcycle as well as spending time with his family and friends. He was an instructor in Shoinru and earned his 2nd degree black belt. Otto is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Cheryl, and daughters, Suzanne (T.K.) Pope of Colorado, Lisa (Mike) Johnson of Grand Haven, and son, Duncan Fricke of Minnesota. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christian, Eric, Meghan and Tyler and great grandson Wyatt, sister-in-law, Shelley Sheffield, brother-in-law, Robert (Gail) Marod and many nieces and nephews. Otto was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Sharkey. Otto was best known and loved as being fearless, also a kind and gentle man with an amazing sense of humor. There was nothing he loved more than his family. The Celebration of Life for Otto will be on Friday, April 13th, 2018, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Porto Bello (in the Harbourfront Grand Hall), 41 Washington Ave, Grand Haven. The family will gather at 7:00 pm to share memories and stories about Otto's Life. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association or Harbor Hospice.

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