WINTHROP–Mary Lou Otto, age 88, of Winthrop passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Bayside Manor in Gaylord. Memorial Service will be Monday, February 17, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bismarck Township, Sibley County, with Pastor Bob Miner officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. (two hours prior) to the service, ALL at church on Monday.

Mary Lou Esther Myrtle Otto was born on September 18, 1936, in Bismarck Township, Sibley County, MN. She was the daughter of Martin and Anna (Pagel) Becke. Mary Lou was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth in April of 1950, both at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bismarck Township. She received her education at country school in Bismarck Township and was a graduate of the Winthrop High School Class of 1955.

On May 23, 1956, Mary Lou was united in marriage to LuVerne Otto at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bismarck Township. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Transit Township. They were blessed with four children, Michael, LouAnn, Kevin and Doug. She helped with milking cows, doing chores, raising and feeding chickens and ducks, helped with harvest, and making meals. She also worked at R&W Produce in Winthrop and Green Giant.

Mary Lou was an active and lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bismarck Township, where she served on the food committee, Altar Guild, member of the Choir and was a Sunday School teacher.

Mary Lou loved to help on the farm. She loved dancing, especially polka dancing, fishing, and playing cards and games. She enjoyed gardening, canning pickles, salsa, and spaghetti sauce and made the best apple pies and her famous chocolate dessert. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, LuVerne Otto of Winthrop, MN; children, LouAnn Meyer and her husband, Perry of New Ulm, MN, Kevin Otto of Winthrop, MN, and Douglas Otto of Winthrop, MN; grandchildren, Jody Enter and her husband, Jason, Melissa Gieseke and her husband, Robby, Angela Domeier and her husband, Casey, and Gina Maurer and her husband, Cameron; great-grandchildren, Logan, Aliana, Zachary and Annika Enter, Evalyn, Elizabeth, and William Gieseke, Grace and Lily Maurer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Anna Becke; son in infancy, Michael Otto; siblings, Shirley Stark and her husband, Delas, Orlean Hass and her husband, Delford; brother-in-law, Melvin Otto and his wife, Earlene; nephews, David Stark and Brian Stark; step-brother-in-law, Herb Tock and his wife, Myrtle.

Arrangements by Dalin-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Winthrop, Minnesota. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com.

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