Dorothy Otte

OTTE - Dorothy Louise Overbeck Otte of Grand Rapids died June 26, 2013. The daughter of Arthur and Nellie Overbeck, Dorothy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 11, 1914. Devoted to God, her husband John, the poor and downtrodden, and with an amusing love of nature, Dorothy was loved by many and touched many lives. A hardscrabble, religious childhood was followed by study at Calvin College, marriage to John, the birth of five children and struggles with mental illness. The found happiness of her last 40 years was marred by the murder of her son, The Reverend Thomas Otte, and the death of her husband, John. She was also predeceased by her brother Edward, sisters Becky and Marge, and daughters-in-law Wilma and Edna. She is survived by her children, Timothy Otte and his wife Gail Canzano of West Hartford, CT, Barbara (Otte) Voss and her husband William of Grand Junction, CO, The Reverend Michael Otte and his wife Debra of Warwick NY, and John and his wife Colleen Coleman of Denver, CO. She leaves a brother, Robert Overbeck of Kalamazoo and sister, Carol LaBotz of Grand Rapids as well as 11 grandchildren, Sarah Cheney, Michael and Jeremy Voss, Jonathan, Elizabeth, David, Jeffery, Kate, Anna, Maxwell and Daniel Otte, 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy's children are particularly grateful for the love and devotion of her sister, Carol, and niece, Sally Zandee, showed to her throughout her long life. The Church of the Servant was Dorothy's home and spiritual anchor for many years. Her children are also most thankful for the love, friendship and care extended by the church and its members. Dorothy began her life with nothing and ended it with nothing but love. A memorial service will be Saturday, July 13, at 4 PM at Church of the Servant CRC, 3835 Burton St. SE. "And the trees shall clap their hands." To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dorothy Otte please visit our Sympathy Store.