Rosemary Otte

Rosemary Otte, 78 years old, passed away on September 25, 2013, after a long battle with COPD.

Born in a Navajo Indian Hospital in Fort Defiance, Arizona in 1934, Rosemary was a child of the Great Depression and WWII. Ingenuity and determination were Rosemary's hallmarks. Her many interests included education, current events, genealogy, DAR, Girl Scouts, sewing and quilting for charity, and promoting opportunities for women. Rosemary taught at Tudor Hall in Indianapolis, before marrying Roger Otte whom she met in graduate school at UW-Madison. They settled in McFarland, WI where she lived for 43 years until relocating to Woodbury, MN in 2003. While living in McFarland, Rosemary helped promote the implementation of Title IX, which led to the development of competitive sports programs for girls at McFarland High School. She was an active member of the McFarland Historical Society and President of the South Central chapter of the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society. Rosemary had a great love of the outdoors. Biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and gardening were some of her favorite activities. Rosemary loved spending time with her two grandsons in Minnesota.

Rosemary is survived by a sister Martha Kilgore Riddle, daughters Sharon Otte and Rachael (Paul) Davis and grandchildren, Cole and Grant Davis. She is preceded in death by her husband Roger A. Otte, father David Byron Kilgore, mother Rose Pavasaras Spring Kilgore and brother, Dr. David Simon Kilgore.

Memorials preferred to The McFarland Historical Society, 5814 Main Street McFarland, WI, 53558.

Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, McFarland, Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 to 12pm, with a remembrance beginning at 11:30 a.m.