Judith Ann "Judy Pankratz" Otto

Judith A "Judy" (Pankratz) Otto, age 82, passed away on January 29, 2026.

Judy was born on January 8, 1944 in Manitowoc to the late Raymond "Dutch" and Elsie (Voigt) Pankratz. She graduated from St. Gregory's High School in 1962. On May 2, 1964, Judy married Warren Otto. Together they had 4 children and were dairy farmers in the Valders area for over 30 years before selling the farm in 1994 to their son David and daughter-in-law Jill. Judy and Warren were married 42 years when he preceded her in death in 2007. After retiring from the farm, Judy worked at Rustic Touch Gift Shop in Manitowoc, at The Franciscan Sisters of Manitowoc as a cook, and later as a hostess at Mr. Lucky's in Valders.

Family was something Judy always held dear. She treasured spending time with her immediate and extended family. Judy held a deep affection for her siblings and cherished the memories they created together throughout the years. She adored her nieces and nephews and shared close and meaningful relationships with her cousins, bonds that remained important to her throughout her life. Her children and grandchildren all held a special place in her heart. She loved gathering her family at home for special occasions and holidays, always going out of her way to make each celebration extra special.

Judy devoted many hours cheering on her son and grandsons at local tractor pulls and could often be heard proudly yelling, "That's my boy" from the stands. She loved shopping trips with the girls, and cherished time spent with her grandkids and great grandkids. Judy was always on the go attending activities various family members were involved in whether it be live music, plays, dance or sports, she always had a front row seat. Judy took an avid interest in the history of her great grandfather William F. Christel and dedicated countless hours to documenting the history of the family. She reveled in organizing family reunions and bringing everyone together for a party. Creative at heart, she found pleasure in decorating and had a talent for crafting beautiful floral arrangements and wreaths for family and friends.

Known for her friendly and outgoing nature, Judy loved to socialize and chat with her relatives and with friends both new and old. She could often be found socializing with her friends at Wenzels or making the rounds for sign ins at other establishments. She was always ready for a game of cards, dice, or dominoes and she especially loved chancing her luck at the slots. A kind and generous person, she delighted in planning outings with her friends and relatives to meet for drinks or go to lunch and more recently enjoyed her weekly lunch dates with the Pigeon Lake Ladies Group.

Judy's love, generosity, and joyful spirit touched many, and she will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew her best.

Survivors include her family: daughter-in-law: Jill Otto (Bill Pitz) Valders, and her children & grandchildren: Brittany (John) Ross, Sophia, Warren, & Waylen, Drew (Echo) Otto, Dohminik, Infinity, Ziriah, & Evionnah, Brooke (Ben) Spellich, Colton, & Chloe, Bailey Otto (Jordan Fruend); Daughter and son-in-law: Debarah & Kevin Reis, Manitowoc, and their children & grandchildren: Tiffany Reis (Jerry Van Berkel), Dillon Reis (Amanda Dramm), Ava & Evelyn, Cassie (Rob) Belter, Oden, Nash, & Beau; Daughter and son-in-law: Laurie & Mark (Tooter) Andrastek, Manitowoc, and their children: Tyler Andrastek (Ashley Yoder), & Max Andrastek; Daughter: Joy Otto, Valders, and her children: Bradley Otto-Stahl (Emma Leiterman), Brett Otto-Stahl, & Cody Otto-Stahl and their father Lloyd Stahl; one brother: Pete Pankratz, sister-in-law: Delores Pankratz, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Allan Otto, Carl & Ruth Hagenow, Glenn & Debby Otto, Wayne Otto, Carolyn Lorenz, & Janice Otto. Judy is further survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Warren Otto; her #1 son David Otto; her parents Dutch & Elsie Pankratz; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bill & Shirley Pankratz, Howie Pankratz, Karen Pankratz, Jan Pankratz; sister and brother-in-law: Jane and Richard Schaller; parents-in-law: Norbert & Naomi Otto; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Kathryn Hagenow, Margaret (Peg) Otto, Dan Lorenz; Beloved nieces Sue Rupp, Therese Randall, and Heidi Schaller.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton. Following the Mass, the family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. as they celebrate Judy's life at City Limits Bar & Banquet Hall, 3627 County Road CR, Manitowoc. A private burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Clarks Mills at a later date.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the staff at Century Ridge Assisted Living, Unity Hospice, & Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they have shown Judy and her family. Your kindness will always be remembered.