Edythe E. Otto-Thom

     Edythe E. Otto Thom, 96, of Cavalier and formerly of Neche, ND passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, ND. Memorial service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Neche, ND. Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services.

     Edythe was born June 26, 1926, in Germany to George and Sophie (Shering) Beckmyer. In 1928, she immigrated with her family to Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, where she grew up. On November 14, 1942, she married Laurence Otto in Canada.  They moved to the United States in 1958.  They made their home in Neche, ND.  Edythe moved to Cavalier, ND in 2002 and later became an American citizen. 

     She was the caretaker of Christ Lutheran Church in Neche for 43 years. In the 1960’s, she regularly cared for nine children at 25 cents an hour.  She later worked at a daycare and provided childcare to others.   She was proficient at chopping wood for the wood-burning cookstove in her kitchen until the late 1970’s.  She operated a successful painting and catering business.  Edythe also enjoyed baking, sewing, crafting, caring for her flowers, and enjoyed all sports, especially the Minnestoa Twins, Vikings, and local high school football.  She enjoyed making fleece blankets, selling them at craft shows, and donating to many local charities and friends. 

    Surviving are her children: Judith Watts, St. Thomas, ND, Roy Otto (Sarah), Bathgate, ND, Larry Otto, Middleburg, FL, Kathy Nelson (Miles), Eagan, MN; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren, and sister, Alice Calloway.

    Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Laurence, daughter, Patricia, and son-in-law, Gale Watts.

Honorary Pallbearers are all of Edythe’s  Grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cavalier Ambulance Service.

Burial will be in the Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Neche, ND.