Marie C. Otto, Appleton, age 73, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, surrounded by her family after a long hard battle with COPD. She was born in Neenah on May 23, 1945 to the late John and Phelomina (Zbleski) Lee.   Marie married Timothy Otto on March 13, 1976.

Marie is survived by her husband of 42 years, Timothy; children: Michelle (Scott Van Oudenhoven) Heckner, Menasha, Mellisa (Larry Boenhline) Bottine, Appleton; Ron (Bobbie) Otto, Freedom; Melinda (Aaron Campbell) Otto, Appleton; Sheila Erno, Milwaukee; and Tim Otto, Appleton; grandchildren: Christina (Ricky) Wray, Kevin (Bailey) Springstroh, Zachary Frey, Kari (Jeremy Pemberton) Frey, Heather Mathis, (Anna Churchill) Nicholas Bottine, Tiffany (fiancé Ryan Matsche) Otto, Stephanie (Lee Tank) Otto, Cody (fiancée Julie Giordano) Otto, Haley Erno, Joie Erno, Dani Lemke, Andrea Lemke, Johnathon Lemke, Shania Lemke, Mariah Lemke, Michaela Lemke and Kylie Otto; great grandchildren: Darrion, Brielle, Gianna, Jayda, Emma, Ryan, Rayn, JJ, Landon, Jackson, Bently, Aiden, Aleigha, Ashtyn, Abel, Matthew, Mikey and Ethan. Siblings: Jim Lee, Jack Lee, Shirley Sutton and Marge Wanty. She is further survived by a very special niece Linda Balliet and numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her infant son, Mark Anthony; daughter, Jodi (Mike) Lemke; and granddaughter, Amanda.

Family and friends are invited to gather on August 19, 2018 at Krueger's Campground (5865 Sekaly Lane, Gillett) at 12:00 noon to celebrate Marie's life. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Marie's family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness, care and compassion given by the staff at AMC.

"Heaven gained the most beautiful angel yesterday, and I will never ever be the same. You have a giant piece of my heart grandma, the piece that always has and always will belong to you!

Most of you know how close I was to my wonderful woman. When I was a little girl, my mom would have to bring me to my grandma's house every day or I would literally break out in hives from not seeing her! Since I was born, she has always been my person; I talked to her as if she were my best friend rather than my grandmother. I could tell her anything and she would give me the best advice and support, and most importantly LOVE!

She fell in love with my babies the minute they were born, and helped me raise Darrion and Brielle, and even Gianna over the past 4 months. (I am so glad you got to meet her grandma!!!) Her special bond with Brielle was the most beautiful thing ever. Brielle was grandma's girl, and she knew it and loved it! Last week I had the opportunity to fly to Wisconsin for a day to see my grandma in person and say my goodbyes. At the time, it didn't feel real and to be quite honest it still doesn't. I don't know if I will ever get to the point where I don't pick up my phone to call you on my way home from work (and have you listen to me complain about stupid San Antonio drivers) or if I will ever get to the point where I'm not crying my eyes out, wishing I still had you. I am thankful for that opportunity though, to see you again, to hold your hand, kiss your forehead and tell you how much I love you! I am also thankful that I got to speak to her one last time yesterday before she passed and heard her tell me "I love you. All of you! And I will see you on the other side-in heaven." Words I will never forget.

'I don't believe it too, grandma.'"

-Christina Wray