Charlotte Otto

Charlotte Anne Otto, 88, Town of Rib Falls, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at Aspirus Hospital surrounded by her family.

Charlotte was born September 27, 1935, in Wausau, daughter of Walter and Erna (Anklam) Hilmershausen. She graduated from Edgar High School in 1953. On October 3, 1953, she married Wilbur Otto at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar. He preceded her in death on May 30, 2023. They were happily married for sixty-nine years. During that time, they resided in the Town of Rib Falls and raised four daughters.

Charlotte worked for the former Wausau Insurance Company and as a bookkeeper for G& R Equipment. She taught piano and organ, giving thousands of lessons to many, many students out of her home and at St. Anthony’s Catholic School, Athens. Charlotte was a longtime active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar, where she served as the church organist for over 70 years.

Among some of her pastimes were playing the piano, organ, flower gardening and reading. She enjoyed spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s many concerts and sporting events.

She is survived by four daughters: Marsha Otto, Marla (Thomas) Berg, Renee (Patrick) Steffen and Rachelle Phakitthong; seven grandchildren: Jamie Sterzinger (Preston Rau), Andrew and Sarah Steffen, Ally (Lance Nicholds), Chentaly, Ashley and Chenpieng Phakitthong; a great-granddaughter, Lydia; one sister, Maureen Hennig; one brother, Rodney Hilmershausen, sisters-in-law: Marlene Otto and Ruby Holzem, along with several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Khamby Phakitthong.

A funeral service will be on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 424 N. 3rd Ave., Edgar with Pastor Gail Sowell presiding. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. at the church.

Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Hospital Palliative Care Unit, for the great care they gave their mother.

We love you and will never forget you, Mom and Dad. God’s Peace. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Paid obituary 147347