Mary Louise Otte
Mary Louise Otte age 106, died on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 in Good Samaritan Home, Quincy. She was born March 15, 1913 in Centralia, IL a daughter of Edward and Louisa (Ackermann) Gundlach.
She married William F. “Bill” Otte in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on December 19, 1936. He preceded her in death on May 13, 1986. Professionally, Mrs. Otte was a secretary with the Quincy Public School System for 20 years, 15 of these spent at Quincy Senior High School. She retired in July of 1975. In 1970, she was named “Secretary of the Year” by the Quinsippi Chapter of the National Secretaries Association.
In the 1930’s Mrs. Otte worked as purser on the Streckfus excursion boats, the J.S. Delux S.S. and the Capitol S.S. She often visited Quincy in that capacity before becoming a resident here after her marriage to fellow crew-member mate/steersman, Bill Otte.
Mrs. Otte was a longtime member of the former St. Boniface Catholic Church and the St. Elizabeth’s Society there. She was currently a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. For over twenty years she was an active member and served as treasurer of the Catholic Ladies of Charity. Her other memberships included the Gem City Rock Club; Midwest Riverboat Buffs and the Quinsippi Chapter of N.S.A.
Survivors include her daughter, Shirley (Jeffrey) Long of LaGrange Park, IL; a grandson, Vincent Kueter and his fiancée Kim Golding of Tacoma, WA; nieces, nephews and friends also survive.
Mrs. Otte was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Paul J. Ackermann and a sister, Helen Gribat and her husband Joseph.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 at 12 o’clock Noon in the Good Samaritan Home Wee Kirk Chapel by the Rev. Chris Comerford. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Chapel from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at Noon. Memorials are suggested to the Ladies of Charity or the Good Samaritan Home Activities Fund.
Just found out today of Mary’s Death. She was taught by our ASC’s Precious Blood; Mary was very good to Quincy Catholic Charities…REST IN PEACE ..YOU ARE A GEM. Dr. S. Mary
Shirley, You have my sympathy and prayers. I just read of your Mother’s passing. Losing a parent is so hard. May she rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to you, Shirley and your family
Sorry for your loss. She has been missed at the low vision meetings. Praying for all of you.
Shirley, to me your mom was most special as our Brownie leader at St. Peter’s Grade School. I still have my little gold duck pin that I’d received from her then. She was a special lady with a special daughter.
Rest in Peace, Mary. You were such a sweet lady and you will be missed.
Dear Shirley and Vincent,
What a wonderful lady! Mary led an adventurous life, cared about others and was a valuable asset on her job.
I was fortunate to have her valuable experience in the office when I became principal at Quincy High. She left her mark on graduation ceremonies with her attention to detail and knowledge of a proper ceremony
It was a joy to visit Mary.even her years past 100.
We send our condolences as we honor a useful life. RIP, Mary Otte.