Katherine Otrupcak

Mrs. Katherine Otrupcak of Little Falls, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 9, 2023.

She was born on Sept. 21, 1933, in Kljajicevo, Yugoslavia, daughter of the late Anna (Lehman) and Jakob Sadlek.  She, along with her family left her home during World War II in October of 1944 at the age of 12 and traveled through Europe by train, ending up in Reutern, Germany, around Feb. of 1945.  A wonderful couple by the name of George and Franziska Winklhofer graciously took them in.  On August 8, 1948, at the age of 15, they left Munich, Germany and embarked on their voyage to Ellis Island.  Her grandfather, John Lehman, met her in NYC and traveled to St. Johnsville, then settling in Little Falls. On July 26, 1952, Katherine was united in marriage with her beloved husband, Paul Otrupcak at St. Mary's Church, Little Falls, with the Rev. Edward H. Gilmour, officiating.  The couple enjoyed a blessed union of 70 years.  Katherine was last employed with the former P and K Dress Shop, Little Falls. 

Katherine loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren and attending their sporting events.  She loved the outdoors, camping at Piseco Lake and enjoyed returning there to see the beautiful fall colors.  She loved to travel and vacationed at Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA for over 35 years.  One of her highlights on the Cape was seeing the Kennedy family at their home.  Another favorite trip was with her daughter, Cynthia, when they traveled to NYC to see the Today Show and many times being spotted on television.  She loved all the sights and sounds of the city.  Katherine's entire existence revolved around the enormous love she had for her family.  She was a joyous, kind and caring woman who will be missed by many.  

Survivors include her loving husband at home, Paul, who was the love of her life; her cherished daughters, Diana (Thomas) Toher of Little Falls and Cynthia Otrupcak of Little Falls; her pride and joy twin grandsons and their spouses, Thomas Toher (Stacia) and Christopher Toher (Andrea); adored great grandchildren, Courtney, Brady, Natalie and Thomas; her brother, John Sadlek (Loueva) of Sebastian, FL; special nieces and nephews, Cheryl Boucher, John Sadlek, Kathy (John) Riley, Douglas (Karlene) Roberts, Mary Belleville and their children, Chad and Daniel, Craig, Corey, Jacob, Justin, Brandon and Lindsay and Dean.  Besides her parents, Katherine was preceded in death by her sister, Anne Roberts.  The whole family shared many holiday's together and never missed a Christmas Eve gathering.  

The family would like to thank Dr. Deepak Buch for his kindness and devoted care. A heartfelt thank you to all of Katherine's wonderful neighbors and many friends. The Otrupcak family has placed arrangements under the direction and care of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, Little Falls, 315-508-5131.  A memorial celebration of life will take place at a later date at a time to be announced at Holy Family Parish, Little Falls.  Please consider a contribution to the Holy Family Parish Rebuild and Renew Restoration Campaign in memory of Katherine.  Envelopes may be obtained at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, Little Falls.