Kenneth Louis Otto, born February 2, 1951, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at Providence Hospital in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 75. Raised on the banks of the Sandy River in Troutdale, Oregon, Ken grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and lived most of his life in Oregon, a place he cherished deeply.
Ken was the second of five children born to Helen and Glen Otto. His parents modeled service to the common good—his mother as a World War II nurse and his father as Troutdale’s mayor and later a member of both the Oregon House of Representatives and Oregon Senate. Their example shaped Ken’s lifelong commitment to community health, public service, and care for those in need.
Ken graduated from Reynolds High School in 1969, where he served as senior class president and was named Athlete of the Year. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.
After completing his graduate studies, Ken returned to Oregon where he held administrative positions in state government. He later transitioned to the health care industry, spending 20 years at MODA Health, before retiring in 2019. His work consistently reflected his dedication to improving community well being and supporting systems that serve the public good.
Ken’s generosity extended far beyond his professional life. He hosted international students from Reed College and was a reader at Lewis Elementary through the SMART Program (Start Making a Reader Today). More recently, Ken volunteered with the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s SOAR program, driving refugee families to essential appointments and offering companionship and support as they adjusted to life in a new country. His commitment to newcomers was one of the most meaningful expressions of his belief in hospitality and justice.
Ken was a longtime parishioner at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and later at St. Andrew Catholic Church, where he sung in both the Community and Gospel Choirs.
Through his friendship with Sister Susan Francois, CSJP, Ken was introduced to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Drawn to their charism of peace through justice, he made his first covenant in 2012 and later his lasting covenant in 2023. He was an active member of the Congregation Small Group of Portland, Longview and Vancouver. Ken often said that praying in community with the sisters and associates deepened his spirituality and strengthened his sense of belonging in the broader Church.
Ken loved travel, art, theater, and reading. Later in life, he partook in singing and acting classes—an adventure that led to speaking roles in two episodes of Portlandia, an experience he delighted in. His hearty laugh, big heart, and gentle spirit made him a beloved presence wherever he went.
Ken will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his kindness, his generosity, and his ability to connect people with one another. He shared in others’ joys and stood beside them in times of sorrow. His life was a testament to compassion, community, and faith.
Ken was predeceased by his parents and sister Joann Otto. He is survived by his siblings, Len, Mary, and Neal, nephew Nathan, and niece Brynne.