Ivan L. Otto

Ivan L. was born on December 4, 1936, in Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, and died on May 17, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Kathleen L. (nee Leis). Kathie and Ivan had three children: Mary Lou Splain (Xavier University magna cum laude; James); James M. (Dartmouth College cum laude; The Ohio State University School of Law; Theresa); and Richard G. (Dartmouth College summa cum laude).

Ivan attended Cathedral Latin School and graduated in 1955. He was subsequently graduated from John Carroll University in 1959 (magna cum laude) and Western Reserve School of Law, Order of the Coif, in 1962. He served for 2 years in the United States Army as commanding officer of USA TREOG (Transportation Environmental Operations Group) at Fort Eustis, Virginia. He practiced in the area of municipal law and was an equity partner with the national firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, during which time he served a term as president of the Ohio GFOA (Government Officers Finance Association). He served on the board of St. Augustine Manor and was president of Catholic Charities Corporation of Cleveland.

He was preceded in death by his parents Julius & Gizella, and his sister Edith. He is survived by his sisters, Susan Franks and Judy Swafford; his three children, six grandchildren: Rebecca Splain, Joshua Splain, Jourdan DeVies, Kelan, Tristan, and Katarina; and great-grandchildren Russell Grant, Madeleine Grant, and Quinn Murray.

His family fled Hungary in early 1945 in the waning days of World War II, as Soviet troops advanced into Eastern Europe. They migrated to Bavaria, in what became West Germany, and lived as refugees until resettled to Cleveland, Ohio in late 1949, realizing his mother's dream that they come to America.

Ivan was intelligent, motivated, and hardworking, as evidenced by his academic and life achievements. He was a kind, loving, generous, and supportive son, husband, father, father-in- law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had a unique way with words-his use of "balderdash" as the ultimate expression of ire made an impression on his children when they were young, as has the specific cadence he used when saying "precisely" to convey exactness. His family defies anyone to find an attorney-at-law who had a greater knowledge of wastewater treatment facilities and processes. He was also one of the best storytellers you could hope to meet-his tales of Europe are legendary (and, thankfully, recorded) to his family. Also legendary were his lawn care regimen, his love of newspapers (and delayed recycling), and, of course, good food and company. He will be sorely missed

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Ivan's favorite organizations: Holy Rosary Church: 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland OH 44106 or online at https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/FD-473 or the Judson Foundation: 2181 Ambleside Drive, Cleveland OH 44106 or online at https://pro.gofundme.com/give/320959/#!/donation/checkout

Services currently pending.