Otto Lisandro Merida, 64, of Ottumwa, died at 10:29 p.m. April 22, 2026 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
He was born July 4, 1961 in Santa Lucia, Cotzumalguapa, Guatemala to Manuel Merida and Clara Alburez. He married Peggy Lorraine Butler April 5, 1986 and they later divorced but remained very close friends. Peggy preceded him in death April 23, 2020.
The eldest of four sons, Otto helped support his family from a young age. He moved to the United States in 1984 and shortly after met Peggy and her son, Eric through his Aunt Amparo. In 1990, they moved from California to Iowa where Otto worked for Excel for 35 years while the company evolved into what is now JBS. Otto was a dedicated union member who strived to help others.
Otto loved playing chess and keeping up with new movie releases. He was a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan and occasionally liked to try his luck at the casino. Most importantly, Otto loved spending time with his kids and grandkids and also made it a priority to visit family in Guatemala. He was proud to become an official US citizen after many years in the country. Otto was very proud of his legacy.
Surviving are his children, Eric (Kristi) Merida, Clarissa (Byron) Van Zee, Pamela (Bryan) Subsin, Patrick (Jessica) Merida, Otto Merida, Katy (Ivan) Lara, and Issac (Yoly) Merida; 18 grandchildren, McKenzie, Delilah, Anthony, Evelin, Alayna, Asher, Finnley, Annika, Maylee, Brandon, Alan, Ara, Avan, Mila, Olivia, Violet, Maggie, Taytum; and one on the way; his mother, Clara Alburez; siblings, Rudy Merida, Manuel Merida and Byron Merida; and many extended family in Guatemala.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 28th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Cremation will follow the visitation.
Memorials may be made to the family.
