Elmer A. Otte

ELMER A. OTTE

2600 Heritage Woods Drive
Appleton

Age 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at Appleton Medical Center. Elmer was born on July 31, 1910, in Kaukauna, son of the late Andrew and Anna (Simon) Otte. He graduated from Kaukauna High School and attended Lawrence University. He later attended Grand Central School of Art and Columbia University, New York. On October 27, 1934, he married Margaret Peters of Green Bay. She preceded him in death after 62 years together, living in Des Moines, Iowa; Wisconsin Rapids, Racine and for the past 50 years in Appleton. Elmer was a newspaper man with the Green Bay Press Gazette and Des Moines Register. He became a foot and shoe expert and represented an orthopedic shoe company in five mid-western states before starting his career in the creative advertising business. After three years as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Elmer moved his family to Racine where he became a creative director and vice president of the Western Advertising Agency of Racine and Chicago. In 1954, Elmer became an account executive and vice president of the Brady Company of Appleton, later as a founding partner with Creative Group Advertising Agency and finally as vice president and executive director of the Biddle Company, retiring at the age of 59. In 1970, the first of his six books about retirement planning was published. These books led to world lecturing and the creation of two national courses in that helpful new field. In 1995, three more books were published in the fields of poetry, fables and nostalgia stories, all filled with poignant humor. He was always active in his community and professional organizations. Elmer was Chairman of the Outagamie Red Cross, Appleton Library Board and Lawrence University Alumni Board, where in 1984 he was awarded the Outstanding Service Award. He was active in Lawrence University fund raising and in committee work for the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region where he was one of the early directors. As a poet and creative writer, he remained active in several literary societies, winning four Jade Ring Awards.

Elmer is survived by his daughter, Cecile (Joseph) Pernica, New York City; his son, L. David (Jane Hoeffel) Otte of Belmont, Mass.; Four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. Elmer is further su rvived by his sisters, Dorothy Van de Hey, Kaukauna, and Magdalen Pruess, Hilbert. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Otte, his sister, Rosella (Sister Aquinata of Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc); and Irene Rice, his dear friend.

The funeral liturgy will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2003, at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 South State Street, Appleton, with Fr. Michael O’Rourke officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Appleton, on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until the cortege leaves for church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent in his name to St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation; or the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231