Frances Otte

She was born in Surhuisterveen Friesland, The Netherlands as Frederika Fenna “Frances Jane” to Lenze and Joukje Riemersma on January 9, 1938. The family immigrated to Sheboygan in January of 1952 and Frances became a US Citizen in 1957.

She attended Sheboygan Christian Grade School and was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School, Class of 1956 where she was voted Homemaker of the Year.

On May 15, 1959 Frances and Peter Otte were united in marriage at First Christian Reformed Church.

Over the years Frances worked at Otte’s Grocery Store, Wigwam Mills, The Sheboygan Press, and she held many home cleaning jobs which created many dear, lasting friendships.

She was a faithful member of First Christian Reformed Church where she sang in the church choir, the radio choir, and the women’s trio. She taught Sunday School and was a member of the Ruth Mission Society. She also was a willing volunteer at the Good As New Shop and a faithful member of the Women’s Auxiliary of Sheboygan Christian Grade School. She was a compassionate caregiver to numerous family members.

Frances was a great cook, baker and a wonderful homemaker whose family meant the world to her. She was the grandma who loved playing games with her grandchildren.

In addition to her loving husband, Peter, she is survived by four children, Linda (Dave) Jensema of Oostburg, Michael (Christina) Otte of Oak Forest, IL, Laurie (Peter) Mondry of Grand Rapids, MI, and Thomas (Renee’) Otte of Mesa, AZ; twelve grandchildren, Nathan (Orpah) Jensema, Kelley (Aaron) Bemis, Stephanie (Jay) Kapadia, Ryan Jensema, Erik Otte, Grace Gwaivu, Frederika Gwaivu, Kyle Otte, Noah Gwaivu, Kasey Otte, Lukas Otte, and Karla Otte; three great-grandchildren, Judah and Corban Jensema, Joshua Bemis, and “Baby J” expected soon ; two brothers, George (Rita) Riemersma and Robert Riemersma of Sheboygan; two sisters, Bela VanDaalen of Crossville, TN and Jean (Dirk) VanDerSteen of Hudsonville, MI; two sisters-in-law, Eloise Riemersma of Sheboygan and Rodell Riemersma of Oshkosh; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, other family members and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and in-laws, Andrew and Anna Otte, she was preceded in death by her older sister and namesake, Frederika Fenna; her sister, Sieta Hiemstra and her husband, Dick; her brothers, Andrew Riemersma and his first wife, Tine, and Albert Riemersma; her brother-in-law, Gerrit VanDaalen; and her sister-in-law, Janet Riemersma.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at First Christian Reformed Church, 428 Geele Ave., Sheboygan. Rev. Larry Meyer, Pastor, will officiate and Rev. Bill TeWinkle will participate. A time of visitation and support will be held at First Christian Reformed Church on Monday evening, February 11, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name for Elim Christian School, 13020 S. Central Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 or the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center since Frances was both a breast and colon cancer survivor.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Sheboygan Fire Department and EMS for their quick response and valiant efforts on her behalf.

Frances will always be remembered for her tremendous faith and trust in her Lord, especially during her health struggles. We will miss her great sense of humor, her kindness and her generous loving spirit.