Freeport – Nancy F. Otte, 90 of Freeport passed away at the Monroe Hospice in Monroe, WI Sunday, Sept 10, 2023. Her family was by her side. Born July 25, 1933 in Jacksonville, Il to Dallas & Clayetta (Hodgson) Smith. She married Leland Otte on Oct 3, 1953 at the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Freeport, Il and they built their life together. After they were married, and Lee spent 2 years in the service from 1955 to 1957, they moved to the farm on Flansburg Road where they lived there for the rest of their lives.

She was the Winslow High School Valedictorian in 1951. Sewing was her passion. She made her own wedding dress and through the years she hosted & emceed many antique fashion style shows.

Early in on, she worked 10 years as a reporter for the Northwestern Illinois Farmer Newspaper. She also worked in sales for Leamon's Furniture Store, Fawn's Niche and was a travel agent for many years. She was a long time member of St John's UCC in Freeport, Il.

She was very active in the International Visitor program for 40 years. She and her family hosted 300 International visitors & State Dept guests from all over the world. She also programmed 3000 International visitors. She often invited them to the Freeport Rotary Club Noon Meetings. She was also invited to be a member, and did serve as the first Woman president of her Rotary club. Throughout her life, Nancy was truly cherished and loved her family and all her friends. Like a cake or a pie, those ingredients always included Love. In her family's words she was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Leland of rural Freeport; Sons, Kevin (Vici) Otte of Freeport; Marshall Otte of Sheboygan, WI and David (Catherine) Otte of Phoenix, AZ; Sister Linda Lashmet of Jacksonville, Il and half-sister, Kathie (Roger) Schultz of Lena, Il. Grandsons, Mathew Otte of Freeport and Jake (Stephanie) Otte of Phoenix, AZ. Grand Daughters, Heather (Jon) Cox of Peoria, Il and Amanda (Corey) Vaughn of Phoenix, AZ. Her legacy also includes 3 Great Grand- children, Ellie Cox, Lindsey Vaughn and Caleb Vaughn as well many nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her brother Jeff Smith, by her parents and Irene Smith, the Step Mother who raised her after her birth Mother passed away.

There will be a visitation on Saturday, October 7 beginning at 9am-11am at St. John's United Church of Christ in Freeport.  A memorial service will immediately follow at 11am also at the church.  Her final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  A memorial has been established in her name. Nancy's family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at SSM Hospital and Hospice for their wonderful care.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.