Judith Mishler Otto

Judith “Judy” Mishler Otto, 80, of Indianapolis, passed away on November 21, 2023. She was born on October 2, 1943, in Goshen, Indiana, to the late Dr. Ernest and Doris Mishler.

Judy graduated from Indiana University, where she was a member of the Tau Chapter of Sigma Kappa. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Teaching. Her writing career started earlier at Greenwood High School where she received awards for her writing focused on service and leadership.  She edited the school newspaper and was regarded for her inspirational articles.

Judy was a high school journalism and English teacher. While at Manual High School she met her future husband, David. They married on August 13, 1966.

As Judy’s career expanded, she took her skills in public relations, marketing, and writing to serve multiple nonprofit organizations.  These included the Jewish Community Center, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Goodwill Industries, Crossroads Easter Seals, and the Indianapolis Arts Chorale.  She fondly remembered bringing her teams’ creativity to life.   

Judy cherished her family and friends and was well known for thoughtfully remembering key events in their lives. She was the consummate hostess of events big and small. Many great memories were forged with their good friends in the N-8 group.   Her smile, laughter, support, and love buoyed so many lives! 

Judy’s life of faith was lived through her involvement in Meridian Street United Methodist Church.  Their “House Group” has continuously met for over 45 years.  Her involvement with the Women’s Bible Study was an important place of friendship and contemplation.  Many will remember Judy standing over a hot stove, at the church’s Camp Otto, where she and David were the cook and director for over 10 years. 

Judy loved life and sought to capture the magic of places, events, and people.  She and David shared this wanderlust and travelled around the country and world together.  Inspiring their sons, the Otto family spent each summer traveling.  They visited many National Parks and other historic and scenic locations. These trips allowed them to catch up with family and friends spread around the country.  Top on the list was Lake Louise, Canada, where Judy and David celebrated their honeymoon, and later their 50th anniversary with their sons, daughters-in-law, and grandsons.

Judy’s passing was due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.  She was well cared for by the staff at Traditions at Solana, including Shavonda, Brandy, Mary, as well as her home health aide Angie, and physical therapist Josh.

Judy is survived by her loving and devoted husband, David; sons, Eric (Alice) Otto of Indianapolis, and Christopher (Carolyn) Otto of Snoqualmie, WA; grandchildren Henry and Eli (Snoqualmie); sister Julia (Craig) Halvorson of Waconia, MN; and brother Dr. Jeff (Sarah) Mishler of Greenwood.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 1^st, from 5 pm to 8 pm and a memorial service on Saturday, December 2^nd, at 12 pm. These events will be held at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, 5500 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judy’s memory to Meridian Street United Methodist Church or Rock Steady Boxing.