Karolyn M. Otto

1932 - 2025

Karolyn M. Otto
09/23/1932 - 01/12/2025
At 92 years old, Karolyn Marie Otto finally left for her heavenly home on January 12, 2025. Born during the Great Depression, the fifth of seven children, to Winnie (Grubbe) and Harvey Otto, Karolyn grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan, helping her mother with chores at home and caring for her younger siblings. She graduated from Big Rapids High School, later living and working in Detroit at Michigan Bell for many years. After her mother's death, she moved north with her father to care for him. She worked in the Human Resources Department at Ferris State University for 27 years as an Employment Specialist before retiring in 1994. Not long after, Karolyn developed macular degeneration and was declared legally blind. Despite this, she learned to get on just fine without complaint. With a little help, she lived independently until her 91styear.
Not having children of her own, Karolyn adored generations of nieces and nephews, doling out special times and baked goods whenever she could. She gave the gift of treats, laughter, and good memories to all those she cared for. People were her priority and she made life-long friends wherever she went. She loved to socialize, to exchange letters and recipes, and to visit.
She liked decorating for and planning any occasion. Karolyn often created games or other amusements to make events fun for everyone. She was a delightful storyteller and an original comedic talent. She played piano when she was younger, loved to sing, and found joy listening to piano and vocal music throughout her life.
Donating time to people in need, showing up to cook or clean for those enduring hard times, visiting elderly people in nursing homes, and volunteering for hospice are other ways she served people. Each month she gave money to a charitable organization or to someone she knew needed the help. She lived meagerly but her tithe was always more generous than what scripture stipulated.
Karolyn missed nothing, was exceptionally sharp and quick-thinking. She could seem stern to strangers but once people got to know her, they found her to be warm, self-deprecating, generous, grateful, humble, and a consummate Kidder and Good Sport. Her famous sense of humor was a staple at her office, with friends, and with family. She retained her positive attitude and good humor through the toughest of times, right up until the final days of her life.
Many people loved Karolyn. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Karolyn "Midge" was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Keith "Keeter," Kenneth, Kalvin "Punk," Katherine "Tillie," Karl, and Kaye.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, January 24, 2025, 1 p.m. at Daggett Gilbert Funeral Home, Big Rapids. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at Chippewa Lake Cemetery. To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit, www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com