Catherine R. Otte

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Catherine "Kathy" R. Otte, age 88, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on February 19, 2025, at Eagle Court Memory Care. 

She was born on February 4,1937 in Reedsville, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Charles and Veronica (Geigel) Vondrachek. Catherine graduated from Reedsville High School. She was united in marriage on February 9,1957 to Donald Otte and enjoyed 55 wonderful years together before his passing in 2012. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children.

Kathy was a force to be reckoned with - a strong, confident, and professional businesswoman, she lit up every room she entered. Whether she was gracing the cover of the “Our World” Tupperware magazine or shining in her career as a real estate agent with the Coldwell Banker Bytof Group, she had a sense of style and sophistication that was matched by none; if you ever saw her closet you would understand.

A gracious hostess who had a smile for everyone, even to the end, the people she met commented on that smile and the joy she shared with those around her.

Kathy is survived by her three children: Jennifer (Pete) Schwanke of Appleton, Greg Otte of Appleton and Lissa (Jim) Rohloff, Cannon Falls, Minnesota; five grandchildren: Brian (Marjorie) Schwanke, Rachel (Ryan) Jakober, Cambria (fiancé, Mike Wodlarski), Jace (Alison Dickinson) Otte, and Cooper (Krystin) Rohloff, and her great grandchildren, Heather and Lauren Schwanke, Avalyn and Lincoln Jacober and baby girl Rohloff (due August 2025); a brother Jerome (Julie) Vondrachek and sisters Anne (Jim) Beasley and Terri (Orrin) Piepenburg. Kathy is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Don (aka Mr. Wonderful), infant son Jeffrey Scott, brothers James and Gerald Vondrachek, sisters Rita (Jurgen) Vincent, Mary (Bill) Egan, brother-in-law James Hartnett and Don’s brothers Arthur (Dorothy) Otte, Norbert (Jean) Otte, Jerry (Lou Ann) Otte, and parents-in-law, William and Odelia Otte. 

The family would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the caring staff at Eagle Court. The sheer volume of staff members that made a point to drop by mom’s room to say good-bye was overwhelming. Even though her physical body may have become weak, her spirit remained strong. As we navigate through this new world without her, our days might not be as bright, and we may accidentally wear the wrong thing to an event (Sorry Mom!) but we will do our best to carry on in the traditions that she taught us. 

She was loved by all and will be greatly missed. 

The funeral liturgy for Kathy will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at St Pius X Catholic Church, located at 500 W. Marquette Street in Appleton with Fr. Jim Jugenheimer officiating. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kaukauna.  Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 11:30 AM.