GERALDINE OTTO

Geraldine Ann (Koenig) Otto, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 surrounded by loving family in her Neenah home. "Gerry" was born May 30, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI, daughter of Mary and Frank Koenig. Due to family relocations, Gerry went to high schools in Madison, Appleton, and graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac, leading to her initial employment at the power company in Fond du Lac, WI. Gerry then pursued additional education in becoming a licensed practical nurse working at Theda Clark Memorial Hospital. She married her best friend Keith Otto on February 15, 1958 in Fond du Lac, WI. Nursing had been her passion, and we were often told of her loving bedside manner and attention to details. Gerry made the decision to leave nursing in 1992 to join in partnership with Keith and son Bruce in opening Neenah Engineering, an engineering consultant firm in Neenah. Gerry was proud of their business, and was personally fulfilled by working into her eighties side-by-side with her husband and son. Gerry was blessed with a large and loving family, which was her most important priority in life. Together with Keith, she raised her five children with love, discipline, honesty, and integrity. Providing encouragement often resulted in positive anecdotes such as remembering that when there are challenges in life, "things always have a way of looking better in the morning". Gerry had warm, loving, healing hands that comforted and reassured. Gerry looked forward to family gatherings and laughter, getting together with friends, going to movies, and out to dinner. Gerry enjoyed living on the lake, savoring beautiful views and relaxing boat rides. Gerry's focus on living was ultimately challenged by her disease. Having grown up and lived in a faith- filled home, Gerry was able to rely on her spirituality and find comfort in her final hours. Gerry was greatly loved by her family, who will continue to suffer a huge loss. Gerry was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Keith on October 14, 2014. Survivors include her five children: Kathy (Joe) Loftus, Menomonee Falls, WI, Bruce (Pam) Otto, Neenah, Karen (Mike) Born, Neenah, Steven (Erika) Otto, Coronado, CA, and Scott Otto, Shoreview, MN; grandchildren, Brendon (Danielle) Otto, Steven (Samantha) Loftus, Eric Born, Christopher (Madalyn) Otto, Ryan Born, Kellina (Matt) Mattson, Meghan Born, Zalen Otto, and Emily Otto; great granddaughters Sophia and Cora Otto. Gerry was also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joan. It was Gerry's request to have a private family service which will be held at St. Margaret Mary Church in Neenah, where she belonged, followed by a family celebration at her home. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Foundation in her name. Thank you to the Affinity Hospice team for their wonderful assistance the past three weeks.