Tim Otto recognized for behind scenes work as ‘unsung hero’

Tim Otto worked quietly behind the scenes for many years as an attorney in Aurora, often putting his legal skills to use in a way that celebrated his combined passion for history and Hamilton County. Otto was recognized posthumously for his work and lasting impact last week with the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Unsung Hero Award.
“He loved the area, he loved the people and he loved the history of the area, and he was very instrumental in preserving and creating awareness of the history and what we should do to preserve it,” Jayne Smith said in a tribute video at last week’s HCF Spirit of Philanthropy banquet.
Smith noted that Otto, a native of Phillips, earned a master’s degree in history, along with his law degree. He practiced law in Aurora for many years, in fact spending his entire career in Hamilton County.
As an example of his love of history, Otto bought a home that served previously as the county museum, then spent years restoring it. After his passing in 2020, the home was converted into an Airbnb and is now known as The Otto House.
“He just enjoyed improving and preserving history,” Smith shared in the video. “He also had a knack of encouraging his clients in a very soft way to do the same, to think about their estate planning. Many of the things that we have, or accounts that we have at the foundation for grants, are because of Tim.”
Tammy Morris, the foundation’s executive director, echoed those sentiments, detailing some of the specifics of Otto’s legal work and lasting impact.
“If you look at the history with the foundation there are many funds that were started through what he knew with Whitney, Newman, Mersch and Otto,” Morris explained. “I mean that firm was one that was very community minded and really felt that it was important to give back and to help people connect to the things that they really love right here in their hometown, even if they no longer live here but they feel strongly about it.
“Tim was one of those quiet people in the community who did a lot of things behind the scenes,” Morris continued. “We call the award the Unsung Hero Award because most of the time it’s the donors who are out front, and the donors are who the community really knows and recognizes. But I think behind the scenes he was an absolute hero when it came to philanthropy in our county.”
“Well, he definitely deserves it,” Smith concluded. He would not want to be recognized, we all know that. Tim has done a lot for the community and the area and we’re hoping that his philosophy and his encouragement will continue in each and every one of us.”
Jim Koepke, who worked with Otto for years on various trust projects, added his praise as well.
“The Farr Trust has been very unique and I’ve had the pleasure of serving on it, but I know we’re going to honor Tim (Otto) too,” he said. “We wouldn’t have the Farr Trust if it wasn’t for Tim Otto. Tim is the one who suggested all this and sort of pushed Alice down that path.”
Accepting the Unsung Hero Award on the family’s behalf was Tim’s sister, Sue Washburn.