Otto Handwerk, Jr.

Otto Thomas Handwerk, Jr., 77, died of a malignant brain tumor on Friday, May 13, 2005, at Lakeview Village Health Center in Lenexa, KS. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m., at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall, Prairie Village, KS. His wish was to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church. Born May 3, 1928, in Chicago, IL, Otto was the son of Myrtle Gunther and O.T. Handwerk, Sr. He served in the U..S. Navy, May 1946 through March 1948. He attended Pepperdine College in Los Angeles, CA, and graduated from University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration Degree in 1953. In 1954, Otto attended special agent training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, and served 26 years with the FBI, a career he enjoyed immensely. After retiring in 1980, he worked for Allied Signal for 10 years. Otto was a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and was elected an Elder in several congregations in cities where his career took him. He was a frequent volunteer at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, where he was a member for more than 25 years. He has been a member of the Society of Former Special Agents since his retirement from the FBI. For 7 years, Otto served as a volunteer for the Johnson County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division. He served on the Board of Trustees for Shepherd’s Center of Shawnee Mission. Otto received the Hall of Fame 2005 Award for distinguished service to Community from Shepherds Center. Otto was thankful for the many friends who supported us through his illness. He was very appreciative for the care he received at Lakeview Village Health Center and from the staff of Odyssey Hospice. Also, the family wishes to convey their appreciation to Dr. John Clough of St. Joseph Hospital and Dr. Sarah Taylor of KUMC. Otto was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Sally J. Handwerk on November 28, 2002. He is survived by three daughters, Kris Wiskes and her husband, Andy of Novato, CA, Debi Carroll and her husband, Greg of Moberly, MO, and Cindy Leber ad her husband, Glen of Overland Park; and six grandchildren, Milisia Shelby, Louis Wiskes, William Wiskes, Gretchen Carroll, Amy Leber and Christopher Leber.

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