Gerald J. Otte, 94, of Sheboygan, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center in Sheboygan.
Gerald was born March 11, 1932, in Sheboygan to John and Magdalena (Vercouteren) Otte. He graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1950. Gerald served his country for seven years. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve at age 17 and served four years as a helmsman. He later transferred to the army to serve in the Army Band. He went on to attend UW-Milwaukee, majoring in music before obtaining his Masters from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Gerald taught music in Shiocton, at Sheboygan Falls High School, and then at Sheboygan Public Schools until his retirement.
Gerald was a member of Calvin CRC in Sheboygan where he served in many roles, including choir director and elder. Her also served the community in building wheelchair ramps for the disabled and in maintenance and painting for churches. He was also a member of Pine Haven Men’s Chorus and Square-Dancing Club. Gerald enjoyed gardening, camping, boating, and fishing.
On June 27, 1957, he was united in marriage with Audrey Kranendonk.
Gerald is survived by his wife Audrey and their children: Jerry (Jenny) Otte, Tori (Jim) Stephens, Sara (Anton) Lustek, Sally Keppert, Brian Otte, Kostya (Shannon) Kekhaev; grandchildren: Anthony (Shirin) Lustek, Nicholas (Samantha) Lustek, Alexandra Stephens, Kayla Stephens, Michael (Clare) Keppert, Coral Otte, Autumn Otte, Allison Otte, Jakob, Lily, and Lukas Kekhaev; great-grandchildren: Lawrence, George, Ella, Chloe, Layla, and Lily; sister Judie Meise; sister-in-law Mary Ann Otte; other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mike Keppert; parents; siblings: Rachel (Verne) Rademaker, Ruth (Lester) Klujeske, Lois (Carl) TeWinkel, Florence (Donald) Jensema, Diane (Carl) Joose. Robert Otte, Carl (Ethel) Otte, Don Otte; and brother-in-law Ernie Meise.
A funeral service to celebrate Gerald’s life will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Calvin CRC, 2313 Saemann Ave. in Sheboygan. All are welcome to view a livestream of the service on Gerald’s obituary page at wenigfh.com. The family will receive visitors at the church on Wednesday from 10:00am until the time of service. He will be laid to rest at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are appreciated in Gerald’s name.
Gerald’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Countryside Manor for their compassionate care and all their fellow church members who kindly came to visit often and help with transportation to church.
Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit wenigfh.com for online condolences.
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