James R. (Otto, Jim) Coenen, Combined Locks, age 72, passed away surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, June 9, 2026. A Little Chute native, Otto was born March 26, 1954, to the late Otto and Marie (Hooyman) Coenen. On February 17, 1978, he married the love of his life, Leslie Van Dyke, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Otto worked as a millwright, dedicating most of his career to the Kimberly Mill, before eventually retiring from the Combined Locks Mill. He took great pride in training other employees and teaching them the tricks of the trade, forming lifelong friendships throughout his career.

In his youth, Otto played football in high school and was an all-conference center. He also wrestled, played basketball, and ran track. Otto truly loved people and wanted everyone to be happy; he was a natural storyteller and the main character in countless funny memories. Anytime someone needed a helping hand, he was the first to offer it.

An outdoor enthusiast and a true social butterfly, Otto’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, and anything that involved socializing with family and friends. He was always the life of the party, whether he was spending time at the hunting shack, playing cribbage, or keeping up the “Tommy Tuesday” tradition. He always looked forward to his annual guys’ fishing vacation in May. In a favorite tradition, Otto and his friends had a running date to make bread together – at the end of “bread day”, many hands of cribbage were played, and 72 loaves were baked to share with friends and family.

Big Ot’s was also an avid Packers, Brewers, and Badgers fan who loved nothing more than attending Packer games in person.

Whether you were fortunate enough to meet Otto at a Packer game, cribbage game, a get together, or hear his amazing bird whistle; he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Dad, you will be missed greatly by so many, but we will all know you will be cheering loud enough in heaven for the whole Packer team to hear you this fall.

Otto is survived by his wife of 48 years, Leslie; children: Jamie Coenen of Kimberly; Cassie (Andy) Wied of Freedom; and Otto (Lisa) Coenen of Seymour; sisters: Julane (Jim) Feldkamp, Grace (Florian) Smits, and Suzanne Coenen; and in-laws: Tess Coenen, Al (Audrey) Van Dyke, Linda (Jeff) Mueller, and Jim (Lori) Van Dyke. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Otto was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Paul (Big Driek) and Margaret (Mugs) Van Dyke; siblings: Ron Coenen, Jerry (Ginny) Coenen, Yvonne (Gordy) Sprangers, and LeRoy Coenen; and in-laws: Ginger Van Dyke and Rikki Van Dyke.

The family would like to thank everyone that helped with meals, appointments, visiting and calling recently.

Visitation will be held June 20, 2026, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute) from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. His Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating. In honor of Big Ot’s, you are encouraged to wear Packers, Brewers, and Badgers apparel.