May 17, 1939 – August 24, 2020
information provided by Smits Funeral Home
Henry “Hank” Wm. Otte, age 81, of Dyer, IN, formerly of Highland, IN, entered his eternal life on August 24, 2020. He was born on May 17, 1939 to the late Martin and late Florence Otte in Sheboygan, WI. He leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Otte, nee Bosch. Father of Rodney (Jeana) Otte, Kevin (Wendy) Otte and Larry (Johnna) Otte. Grandfather of Sarah (Eric) LaReau, Laura (Kurt) Bultema, Steven Otte, Emily (friend Nick Wondaal) Otte; Jonathan Otte, Joshua Otte; Kyle Otte and Gabriel Otte. Great-grandfather of Selah and Reyer LaReau and Russell Bultema. Brother of Harriet (Herb) Hermann and Carol (late Jerry) Leonhard. Uncle of one niece and four nephews.
Hank and Mary met at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They graduated in the spring of 1961 and were married shortly after on June 16, 1961. They both took teaching positions at Highland Christian School. Hank remained in Christian education for 29 years, teaching and serving as principal at Illiana Christian High School. For another 17 years he was a brick salesman. After retirement in 2007 he taught a class for prisoners at Westville Prison and volunteered at ETC Thrift Center. Hank gave much of his time to many leadership roles. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Visitation Thursday, August 27, 2020 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Funeral service Friday, August 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Christian Reformed Church – 3010 Ridge Rd, Highland, IN with services conducted by Rev. Bill Sytsma. Interment Hope Cemetery – Highland, IN. Memorial contributions may be given to Highland Christian School, Illiana Christian High School or Providence Life Services. For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com.
