Otte, James

James “Jim” Otte, age 74, of Weyauwega, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 27, 2010. He was born on September 11, 1936, in Appleton, son of the late Richard and Margaret (Snyder) Otte. Jim graduated from Holy Cross Grade School in Kaukauna in 1951 and Kaukauna High School in 1955. He then got his degree from U.W. Oshkosh in 1959. On August 1, 1959 he married Lorelei “Lei” Kuchelmeister. Jim was an amazing high school teacher at Weyauwega-Fremont High School for 35 years. He was very active in sports coaching the football, basketball and baseball teams. He was also a Little League coach for 16 years. Jim served on the Weyauwega-Fremont School Board from 2006-2009, and also the Weyauwega City Council for a number of years. He was honored to be Rallymaster at one of Kaukauna High School’s Alumni Dinner’s. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega where he served as a communion distributor and an usher. Jim and Lei were proud to be the King and Queen of Horse & Buggy Days in Weyauwega in 2004. Jim was known as the “Popcorn Ball King of the Valley”; he also was a beekeeper most of his life. He was also well known for his baking and making goodies for everyone for every occasion. Jim loved coaching his children and found great joy in watching his grandchildren participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. The grandkids will most remember him for his stories and songs from the past while they helped him make popcorn balls. Jim also enjoyed penny slots at the casinos and got to fulfill his dream of going to Vegas this past spring. Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lei; sons: Mark (Sharon) Otte, Fremont; and their children Crystal, Cody and Sam; Guy (Danise) Otte, Mosinee; and their children Alex and Conner; Bill (Pam) Otte, and their children Trae, Tobin, Bekah and Sy; daughter: Lynn (Troy) Phillips, Spencer; and their children Whitley, Kenisha, Wyatt and Tynae; sister: Barbara Otte; brother, Richard (Pat) Otte. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Gregory and a brother, Sergeant Tom Otte. The Funeral Mass for Jim will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Paul Vanden Hogan officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Weyauwega. Friends may call at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (608 E. Main St.) on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.