Florence Marie Otte, age 91, of Seymour, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Schneck Medical Center, Seymour, with her loving family by her side.

Mrs. Otte was baptized in Christ on July 21, 1935, confirmed in her faith on April 10, 1949, and united in holy matrimony to her husband, Gerald, all at St. John's Lutheran Church, Sauers.

Following their marriage, Florence and Gerald became devoted members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, where they faithfully worshiped together for 72 years. Florence was very active in the church and generously gave her time and talents in many ways. She served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and regularly attended Bible study. She participated in and helped with the Borchers Breakfast Club and assisted with the church bazaar. Florence was also a member of WELCA and the Mary Martha Circle, and she served as a preschool assistant. For several years, she served as the church custodian, and she also lovingly maintained and mowed the church cemetery. Her dedication to her church and her willingness to serve others were an important part of Florence's life.

Florence worked at JayC as a cashier after graduating from high school. Following her marriage, she worked alongside her husband on their farm, helping raise cows, pigs, and chickens, while also tending to the grain crops. Florence was grateful for the opportunity to remain at home, work on the farm, and devote herself to raising and caring for her children.

Family was at the heart of Florence's life. She deeply loved and cherished the time she spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed life on the farm, tending to her garden, and raising chickens. Florence also had a passion for baking and was well known for her famous angel food cake, which was enjoyed by family and friends alike. She was an active member of the Kum Join Us Homemakers Club and the Borchers Quilting Club, where she treasured the fellowship and friendships she formed over the years.

Born on July 11, 1935, at her home in Jackson County, Florence was the daughter of Wilbert and Elsa (Darlage) Schroer, both of whom preceded her in death. On October 21, 1956, she married Gerald Glenn Otte, and he preceded her in death on February 10, 2001

Survivors include two sons: Norman (Edie) Otte of Seymour, and Carvin (Julie) Otte of Seymour; one daughter, Leah (Robert Smith) Otte of Nashville; eight grandchildren: Anna (Ryan) Ragains, Jacob (Missy) Otte, Kim (Adam) Ingle, Adam (Caitlyn) Otte, Melody (Josh Tunis) Black, Preston (Amanda) Otte, Grace (Cameron) Moore, and Michaela Smith; great-grandchildren: Kamryn, Ryan, Jr., Kryssi, Brenden, Lily, Bryson, Heidi, Lila, Waylon, Eli, Emerson, Jordan, Jacob, Alivia, Joy, Weston, and Ruth; two brothers: Leonard (Sharlot) Schroer of Seymour, and Leslie (Barb) Schroer of Brownstown; two sisters-in-law: Kyra Bode and Carmen Herkamp; a special great-niece, Ruthie Otte; and several nieces and nephews.

Florence was also preceded in death by one daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Rick Black; one grandson, Isaac Dale Otte; sister and brother-in-law, Bernice and Kenneth Bode; brother, Raymond Schroer; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Laretha Schroer; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Lona (Hehman) Otte.

Funeral services for Florence Marie Otte will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, with Pastor Steve Wood officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers.

Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Borchers Breakfast Club, Borchers Chapel, or Hamilton Township Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff of Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com