Mary A. Otte

Mary A. Otte, age 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025. She was born on April 14, 1951, daughter of the late Richard and Clara (Kemkes) Kilgas.

Mary loved being in the kitchen; she spent thousands of hours baking for family and friends. She always made sure she stayed current regarding world news and weather conditions and always kept her family up to date. Mary loved her online shopping! She was always looking for the “perfect” gifts for her family and loved ones. Her generosity further shined through regular donations she made to several charitable organizations. Due to illness, Mary was rarely able to venture outside of her home, but her strong faith in the Lord never faltered as she was able to watch daily mass on TV and constantly prayed for those in need. Her kind and giving heart will be dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Mary is survived by her children: David J. Otte Jr. and Sherry (Otte) Kavanaugh; grandchildren: Nicholas Otte, Christopher (Mallory) Voigt, Alyssa Voigt, Caleb (Madison) Voigt, and Hunter (Sylvia) Kavanaugh; great grandchildren: Emory Voigt and Lila Otte; siblings: Joyce Hahneman, Joe (Dori) Kilgas, Dennis (Mary Jo) Kilgas, Ben (Rhonda) Kilgas, Richard Jr. (Penney) Kilgas, and Jamie (Michelle) Kilgas; sisters-in-law: Paula Tyrrell and Debbie Otte; as well as numerous godchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, David Otte Sr.; her grandson, Kyle Otte; David’s parents: Jerome (Lou Ann) Otte and Ruth (Hartzeim) Otte; her brother, Tom (Julie) Kilgas; and brothers-in-law: Keith Otte and Randy Hahneman.

Per Mary’s wishes, no formal services are to be held. Mary and David’s remains will be combined so they can be “Together Forever.” Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, Kaukauna has been entrusted to assist the family during this time. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Many thanks to everyone who offered to help care for Mary and those who offered support to Sherry and family during this journey. You are forever in our hearts! The family also wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jack Anderson MD, Dr. Chelsea McNabb-Pender and her team, Tina Heim Christianson RN, and Erika Winterfeldt.