Ida L. Otte, 97, of Freeport, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Manor Court in Liberty Village.
Born February 1, 1916 in Merrillan, Wisconsin she was the daughter of Gottfried and Anna (Fisher) Maeder. She married Leonard Otte February 16, 1937 and he died December 3, 1984.
She and her husband farmed in Harlem Township.
Ida was a long time member of Salem Church United Church of Christ where she was involved with Women's Fellowship and taught Sunday school for 50 years.
She also belonged to Stephenson County Farm Bureau and Stephenson County Extension.
A world traveler and avid reader Ida had a passion for writing. When you received a note from her it was like bright sunlight coming into your life.
Best of all was her smile. Ida was a very gracious and friendly person to everyone she met.
Surviving are her grandchildren, Kimberly A. Thieleke of Nashville, Tennessee, Erin (Joe) Bradley of Greenfield, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Thieleke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Todd (Sherry) Thieleke of West Allis, Wisconsin, and Paul (Laura) Thieleke of Atlanta, Georgia; four great grandchildren, Evan Thieleke, Bennett Bradley, Madison and Elle Thieleke; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Marie Maeder; her daughter, Barbara Thieleke; her son, Richard Otte; her son-in-law, Neil Thieleke; four brothers; and four sisters.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2013 at Salem United Church of Christ in Eleroy. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Walker Mortuary and 10 a.m. until time of service at the Salem Church on Monday
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for Salem Church.