Donna Marie Otto

Donna Marie Kinsel Otto, 77, passed away, Friday, March 11, 2022 in Snowflake. She was born November 15, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Frank Joseph Kinsel and Rosemary Lake.

Donna was known by her family, friends and community for her kindness and strength.

Donna grew up in Chicago and was a generational Chicago Cubs fan. After high school she worked as an accounting clerk. She met her husband Delbert while working at Eastern Airlines. She stayed home to raise her three children in Marengo, Illinois and after a while worked different part time jobs to earn money for family vacations. She loved to travel. After her husband unexpectedly passed away when her children were teenagers, she went back to work as a bank accounting clerk until she retired.

Donna also loved gardening and was an avid gardener throughout her adult life; canning food and making jam. She loved birds and collected bird houses as well as feeding and watching them daily in retirement. She spoiled her dogs and cats.

Donna was a dear friend to many. She was thoughtful and supportive. She loved going out to lunch and chatting. She was always up for an adventure; even jumping out of an airplane in her later years.

One of her greatest loves was her grandchildren. She always made an effort to be part of their lives and special events. She played with them, taught them various skills and endlessly encouraged them.

She will be greatly missed and remembered fondly.

Donna is survived by her son, Paul (Janet) Otto, St. Johns; daughters, Susan Otto, Carpentersville, Illinois; Karen (Paul) Cosmano, Vista, California; 9 grandchildren, Melissa (Scott) Cerny, Nathan (Betty) McMillan, Adam Otto, Seth (Emma) Otto, Gabriel (Savannah) Otto, Gracye (David) Laughter, Bella Otto, Elliana Otto, Luke Otto and 1 great grandchild, Kaleb Cerny.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert in 1984.

A private celebration of life was held at the home of her son.

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