Otto W. Vosahlik, a proud World War II Army veteran who reached the remarkable age of 100, passed away May 24, 2024.
Otto was born in Chicago 1923 and grew up on the West Side. He graduated from Lane Tech High School, where one of his great experiences was playing bass clarinet in the marching band that performed at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. Upon graduation, Otto joined the only company he would ever work for — The Electro Motive Division of General Motors in McCook, which produces diesel locomotives.
Shortly thereafter, Otto’s spirit of patriotism led him take leave to enlist in the Army. While stationed near St. Louis, Otto met Nancy Vogler, whom he later married. He served on the USS Sherburne in the Philippines and then in Japan, where he was at his base on Sept. 2, 1945, when the Japanese surrendered.
Otto returned from overseas service in January of 1946 and was discharged in March. He rejoined EMD as a tool engineer and attended night school at the Illinois Institute of Technology, completing a degree in engineering. Otto married Nancy Vogler and together they built a home in Hinsdale.
Otto was engaged in the community, serving as a member of the Hinsdale American Legion Post 250, a Boy Scout leader and a Little League coach. Nancy completed her college in night school to become a teacher. The Vosahlik family built many memories living in Hinsdale and later Darien. During his 40 years at EMD, Otto progressed through multiple positions in engineering and then moved up to production management, at different times leading divisions making pistons and cylinders, engines and chassis.
Life took a turn leading to a divorce in 1983. Otto later remarried Eileen Economus and the couple moved to a condo in Farmingdale Terrace in Darien, where they lived for the rest of their lives. In retirement, Otto and Eileen were engaged and supportive grandparents. Both became active members of the Golden GM Retirees Association. Otto and Eileen enjoyed traveling and took weeks-long road trips to explore the country. Both were active in local Republican political organizations, and Otto served as a local Republican committee member. Otto served for many years as the president of the Farmingdale Terrace Homeowners Association and later as the president of the Farmingdale Recreation Association.
Otto was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; his stepchildren, Steven (Lydia) Economus, Diane (Patrick) Kidd and Leonard Economus; his sister, Blanche (the late James) Holicky; and his nephew, Bruce Holicky.
He is survived by his children, Sandra (Clifford Bassett) Forzley and Garry (the late Iris) Vosahlik; his grandchildren, Cynthia (Jonatan) Julcarima and Laura Vosahlik; his great-grandchild, Jordan Julcarima; his step-grandchildren, Nicolas, Travis (Christine) and John Anthony Economus and Brian Kidd.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30, at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave., Darien. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m.
Following the funeral service, there will be a procession to Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, where a military burial ceremony and interment will be completed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
