Mary Otto

Mary Louise Otto, age 67, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2018 in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mary was born on July 12, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Lavere Donald and Myrtle (Nye) Zschunke. She was a graduate of Redwood Falls High School and Mankato State University. Mary and James Otto had 2 daughters, Rachel and Melody. She lived in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota for 40 years, and she cherished the community as her home. Mary was a devoted mother, and an accomplished teacher, director, author, playwright, and community leader. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Myrtle Zschunke. She is survived by her daughters Rachel (Tom) Bies and Melody (Noah) Schumacher, granddaughters Grace and Lucy Schumacher, brothers Mike (Nancy) Zschunke, and John Zschunke, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary made her arrival in heaven with the stage set just right, the angels cued, and the perfect lighting. A Celebration of Life for Mary Otto will be held at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 2pm. Visitation will be from 12pm-2pm, and a classic Mary Otto “Wine & Cheese” reception will follow the service. The celebration will include a musical tribute performed by many of her former students and theatre participants whose young lives she touched. Mary will be deeply missed. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.