Otto Z. Vanek, 98, passed away peacefully in his home on November 21, 2018 surrounded by his family. A member of the “Greatest Generation”, he was born on February 5, 1920 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Otillie (nee Koberna) Vanek.
Otto graduated from Morton High School and entered the US Airforce in 1940 where he served as a staff sergeant during World War II. He was stationed in New Guinea as an aerial photographer from 1940-1945. Upon his return home, Otto pursued a career in printing and worked for the Chicago Sun Times.
Otto married the love of his life, Georgene “Tiz” Vanek (nee Vykouk) on December 8, 1945. Otto and Tiz celebrated 67 anniversaries before Tiz’s passing on March 30, 2013.
After moving to NJ in 1970, Otto became a business owner. He opened Barnyard Press in Sussex, The Little Ladle on Main Street in Sussex, and Otto’s Pub in Andover. Later, Otto worked as a cook at the Sussex County Homestead where he made countless friends and memories with fellow staff. In his free time, Otto enjoyed spending time with his family, dancing with his wife, and playing horseshoes.
Otto leaves behind his loving daughter Barbara Dattoli (nee Vanek) and son-in-law Nick Dattoli of Wantage; his son Steven Vanek and daughter-in-law Liz (nee Pope) of Gold Hill, CO; his son Thomas Vanek of Boulder, CO; his grandchildren Hawk Vanek and wife Brooke of Lafayette, CO, Nick Dattoli and wife Monica of Byram, Emily Walker and husband Jamie of Newmarket, NH; his great grandchildren Chase and Alana Vanek, Giovanna Dattoli, and Haven Walker.
A private family cremation was held. A “Celebration of Life” will be held in February. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home. The family would like to personally thank the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Organization for their devoted and loving care. If so desired, memorial donations in Otto’s name may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice – 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860.