Marvin G. Van Deraa

Marvin G. (Otts) Van Deraa, Kaukauna, age 79, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, September 8, 2011. He was born on February 12, 1932 in Combined Locks to the late John and Bertha (Kortz) Van Deraa. He married Kathleen (Toots) Hartzheim at St. Therese Parish on May 4, 1957 and he was still well enough to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with his family in 2007.

Otts was an Army veteran who served during the Korean War and remained a member of the American Legion Post 258. He worked 43 years at Thilmany Pulp & Paper as an oiler in the maintenance department and was a member of the Quarter Century Club, retiring in 1994. Otts enjoyed playing Sheephead, fishing, hunting, listening and dancing to polka music, and spending time with his family. He was a member of Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna. Otts is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen; children: David (Sharon Marquardt), Brillion; Sharon (Brett) Miller, Appleton; Brian, Appleton; and Dyan (Jamie) Borts, Milwaukee; grandchildren: Jenny and Kalin Van Deraa, Kate and Laura Miller and Brandon Borts; great grandchildren: Ailey, Zoey and Ava; brothers and sisters: Harvey (Irene), Ellie Walker, Butch (Ruth), Rutz (Beth), Geraldine Welch, and Gerald; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Irene (Floyd) Van Asten, Bobbye Hartzheim, James (Margie) Hartzheim, Dorothy Kons, Mike (Kathy) Hartzheim, Liz Downey, Lu Kostan, Rose (R.D.) Birdsong, Mary Hartzheim, and Tom (Penny) Hartzheim. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including those from the Culture Corner.

In addition to his parents, Otts was preceded in death by his sister Angeline (Ralph) Vanevenhoven; father and mother-in-law Richard and Margaret Hartzheim; and brothers-in-law Richard Walker, Tom Downey, and Ken and John Hartzheim.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 12, at HOLY CROSS PARISH (309 Desnoyer St. Kaukauna) beginning at 2:00 pm until the time of Mass at 4:00 pm. The Rev. Thomas Pomeroy will officiate. Military honors conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. For on-line condolences, please visit www.oconnellfh.com.

Otts's family would like to express special thanks to the wonderful staff at Manor Care for their care and compassion over the last year and a half.

Otts, 'til we can dance again, I love you - Toots

Dad, free of the Parkinson's at last, enjoy! We will remember you fishing and polka dancing and always holding the Queen of Clubs. We love you!

Grandpa, we hope you were pointed toward heaven, because like you taught us, if you're not pointed in the right direction, you can't get there from here. We love you and we'll miss you.

O'CONNELL

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