Geraldine Otto, 78

Nov. 27, 1944 -

Sept. 1, 2023

 

CRESCO - Geraldine “Gerry” Louise Otto, age 78, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 at home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.  Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 and also one hour prior to services.  Burial will take place at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs.

Geraldine Louise Otto was born November 27, 1944 in Cresco, the daughter of Marvin and Ruth (Burr) Gesell. She was educated in Howard Center #2 school and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1962.  She was employed at the Times-Plain Dealer during 1962 and 1963.   

 On February 24, 1963, she married the love of her life and her best friend, Marlin Otto.  Four children were born to this union, Barbara, Bradley, Beverly and Brian.  They farmed near Davis Corners and Lime Springs.  She was known for her flower and vegetable gardens. She enjoyed cooking and sharing food with friends. Banana bread was her specialty.   

After Marlin passed away April 15, 1996, she continued to live on their farm. Many winters were spent in Texas and Georgia with children.

She was a member of the New Hampton Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 50 years. She enjoyed sharing in the public ministry sharing the good news of God's Kingdom with others. 

 She is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Steve) Traugh and Beverly (Mike) Vote of Elma, two sons, Brad (Cyndi) Otto of Edinburg, Texas and Brian (Angie) Otto of Lime Springs, five grandchildren, Kristen,  Caleb and Brenner Traugh and Ethan and Zachariah Vote, one sister, Marge Johnson of Cresco and two brothers, Paul Gesell of West Des Moines and Dale Gesell of Ridgeway. 

 Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Also two brothers-in- law, Delbert Dodd and Orin Johnson.