Joseph A. Otte, age 81 of North Star, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Joe was born October 12, 1943, in Celina, to the late Louis & Irene (Prenger) Otte. Joe married Judith "Judy" (Smith) Otte, his wife of 55 years, on October 11, 1969. Judy survives at their home in North Star.

Joe is also survived by six children and their spouses, Curt & Kelly Otte of Maria Stein, Cheryl & Brian Gehret of Versailles, Linda Otte of North Star, Lisa & Brian Rosenbeck of Yorkshire, Krista & Justin Guggenbiller of Coldwater, and Douglas & Jill Otte of Minster. Also surviving Joe are his 17 grandchildren, three great grandchildren with two more on the way, and his siblings and in-laws: Marlene Dahlinghaus of Maria Stein, Martha & Bob Pohlman of Maria Stein, John & Alice Otte of St. Henry, Dianne & Bill Glaser of Celina, Charlie & Kathy Otte of Maria Stein, Ruth & Joe Kahlig of Coldwater, Karen & Jerry Moeller of Maria Stein, Pat & Janet Smith of Celina, Elaine & Jim Loughridge of Coldwater, and Karla Smith of Seattle, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by an infant son, Jason Otte, a grandson Jon Gehret, his father and mother-in-law, Francis & Anna M. Smith, and in-laws: Jim Dahlinghaus, Ruth Otte, and Gerry Smith.

Joe was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, in North Star and the Knights of St. John, Commandery 313. He was a graduate of Marion Local High School, Class of 1961, and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. Joe was a lifelong dairy and grain farmer and loved what he did. His hobbies included farming and restoring his antique tractor.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church, in North Star. Following the funeral mass, burial will take place in St. Louis Cemetery, North Star.

Friends and family may call from 1:00pm - 5:00pm on Sunday, July 13, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry, and from 9:00am - 10:00am on Monday, July 14, at the St. Louis Church in North Star.

Those who wish to honor Joe's memory may consider making a charitable contribution to EverHeart Hospice, The Center for Neurological Development in Burkettsville, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or left at hogenkampfh.com.