Otto was the son of Otto Roehl Sr. (1805-1874) who emigrated from Germany to join his brother William Roehl who was settled on Sparrow Lake. They each purchased 100 acres on the northwest side of Sparrow Lake, built homes and started farming. Roehls hotel was established by 1910 and became a thriving resort due to the initiative of Otto Roehl, who later established the Grandview Lodge as well. He finished his hotel career by buying Vanomi Hotel (later known as Sparrow Beach), which he operated until 1955.