Audrey A. Otten

Audrey A. Otten, 94, of Sheboygan, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 18, 2025, at Sharon Richardson, while her family sang “Jesus Loves Me”. Audrey was born September 6, 1930, in Sheboygan, WI to John and Cora Kruis. She attended Sheboygan Christian School from 1936-1944 and graduated from Central High in 1948. Audrey worked at Sheboygan City Hall as an administrative secretary until she married her “best friend and love of her life” Roger Roy Otten on January 27, 1954. They were married for almost 70 years until he went home to Jesus on September 28, 2023. Audrey’s most important calling in life was being a wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma. 

 Audrey was known for how much she loved her God, her family, her church and her community. She blessed many through her employment at Sheboygan Christian School, Sheboygan Health Department and Senior Center. Audrey counted it a privilege to serve the Sheboygan community as an Alderman for 12 years on various committees and even was the Common Council President for a term. Audrey and Roger were blessed to travel the US and abroad while creating great memories with many dear friends. Roger and Audrey were always looking for ways to make people feel welcome. They enjoyed hosting game nights, sharing potlucks with friends and playing a weekly game of Rummikub together at their kitchen table. 

 Audrey was active in the Golden Agers at Christ Community Church and involved in various women’s Bible studies in her church and community. Audrey loved working in her garden and watching her various flowers bloom and grow, even during the wintertime. For over 40 years Audrey enjoyed swimming at the Y six days a week and eventually persuaded Roger to join her the last 15 years. Audrey and Roger enjoyed visiting the shut-ins and meeting new people at Christ Community Church and the community of Sheboygan. Together they never met a stranger or forgot a name, and they were always inviting people over to share a meal. They thought of many different groups as “family”- Y early morning swimmers, McDonald’s breakfast group and most recently their Mapledale neighbors. Many of them becoming special friends. 

 Audrey loved watching her kids, grandkids and great grandkids in all their activities. The entire family knows and enjoys how to be competitive - this started with Jarts and their annual family Thanksgiving bowling. Many special memories were created at family holiday get togethers, which always required each family to bring their own “Penguin”. 

 Audrey and Roger prayed daily for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and made sure that each of them knew that Jesus died for them and was their Lord and Saviour. Audrey’s love of Jesus will continue on in her six children: Cindy (Jay) Hogfeldt, Russ (Laura) Otten, Scott (Pam) Otten, Jeff (Dawn) Otten, Chery (Rick) Locke, adopted son Mma (Nena) Kalu; 23 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren- Nadia (Aaron)Lunt: Tristan, Andrew, Lucas; Jason (Amber) Hogfeldt: Addi, JJ, Seneca, Jett, Keaston; Matt (Liz) Hogfeldt: Jackson, Juliana, Penelope, Eloise; Greg (Kari) Hogfeldt: Aspen, Canyon, Wynter; Sulah (Jacob) Buck: Tatum, Taylor; Brittany (Tom) VanDerHave: Thomas, Noah, Sadie; Marques Otten; Kasia Otten(deceased): Riley; Cade Whitman; Phoenix Otten; Nathan (Lynae) Otten: Brooklyn, Addyson, Caleb; Jake (Alyssa) Otten: Logan, Micah, Nolan; Ben Otten; Ryan (Cherith) Otten; Heidi (Zach) TeWinkel: Braden, Tyler, Lucas; Heather (Josh) Eshuis: Levi, Micah, Brooklyn; David (Erica) Locke: Ella, Lincoln, Noelle; Amanda (Jason) Hilbelink: Wesley, Charlotte, Everett; Josh (Alexis) Locke: Dakoda, Sierra; Natalie Locke (fiancé Darrick Landreneau); Nene (Paul) Schaffert, Emmanuel (Ngozi) Kalu: Amara; James Kalu. Audrey is also survived by sister Harriet Farwell, many nephews and nieces and “daughter in heart” Diann. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Caroline VanDerWeele and Geneva Whiting; three brothers: Roland, Allan and Melvin; and special friend Ann, from the Y, who she led to Christ before Ann passed. 

 The celebration of Audrey’s entry into her heavenly home will be held at Christ Community Church, 428 Geele Ave, Sheboygan at 3:30pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday, January 25 from 1-3:30pm. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are requested for Sheboygan Christian School, Christ Community Church and Sharon Richardson Hospice. 

 Audrey celebrated the peace she had, because of Jesus saving grace, and wanted everyone to know that “Jesus Loves You”.