Teresa passed away peacefully, Saturday, July 23, 2022 at her home in Allegan.
She was born April 3, 1957 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Eddie and Nancy (Hale) Otto. Teresa loved the outdoors. She owned and operated a kayaking business and loved taking people for trips down the river. Teresa was very creative and artistic. She made giant puppets and enjoyed putting on performances around the area. Teresa also enjoyed music and was instrumental in starting the Ukulele Orchestra in Allegan. She loved making music and wrote many original songs.
One of Teresa’s proudest moments was winning Best in Show multiple times at the Allegan County Fair parade for the floats she helped design and decorate with her church. Teresa devoted her life to spreading joy to not only her family and friends but to everyone she met.
Surviving are her sister, Lisa (Chris) Sweet-Lukins of Texas; brother, Gerry (Cheryl) Otto of Allegan; nephews, Jaired, Gerard and Dylan; niece, Melissa and a special great-nephew, Devalyn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lori; brother, Robert; nephew, Wyatt Sweet and she was there to greet her nephew, Logan Sweet when he passed away on July 24.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
Contributions in memory of Teresa made be made to Camp Kidwell.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Penny L. Ray
I’m so very sorry to hear of Teresa and Logan’s passing. I know they’ll be in good company in Heaven and will keep all who knew and loved them close in prayer.
Ruth Brakoniecki
Knew Teresa through our Bible study at Christ Community Church and she was a truly beautiful person. I feel very privileged to have called her my friend.
Ruth B.
Karen
So sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing and Logan’s passing! I had never met Logan but praying for his family!Teresa was a sweet friend of mine and I cherish the memories of time with her!I will remember her always! Praying for Teresa’s family!
Linda Wierenga
I was very privileged to be able to call Teresa a friend through our Bible study. She was very caring person & certainly a fighter in a positive way.
Sharon Cipriano Galbreath
I will always miss Theresa! What a talented; loving; and devoted friend she was and will always be.
Teresa judged one one and always offered a hand up to all in her circle.
I love you Teresa! Always have, always will!
Thank you for sharing your gifts!
betty jean root
we had a good time on our travel’s, you’ll be in my thought’s for a long,long time.I’m so sorry Lisa and Chris.
Christopher
Lord knows I don’t deal well with loss. Unfortunately I had no idea of her health. We would send Christmas cards to each other. Last I spoke with Theresa, she had not mentioned
The circumstances that she was enduring .. I have known her since high school, I am in disbelief. My heart goes out to you family, chosen family and friends ….. Theresa Will be greatly missed. Such a kind and loving soul, not to mention her creativity and the beautiful music she could make with her extremely talented self … ❤️
Judy Pigg Behrendt
Oh, Teresa, rest in peace. I remeber you and Martha singing at our commit ceremony a long time ago. I loved and laughed at your puppet shows. You were so creative in so many ways. I enjoyed just hanging out. You are missed!
Cheryl Quinn
I will forever be grateful for T’s friendship and live.
River Artz-Iffland
I’ll so much miss Teresa’s unending enthusiasm, optimism and kindness. She always tried to teach and share whatever inspired her. Music, kayaking, giant puppets, her family, her friends, her church and community; whatever Teresa cared about, she actively supported. Her memory will always be a blessing.
Carol Plummer
I am so sorry for this loss for friends and family. I saw T infrequently since I live in Hawaii but she always talked about wanting to visit. She was a big presence and will be greatly missed. I cherish memories of long talks, music, and laughter.
Dr. Missy Howse-Kurtz
I was so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. She was a beautiful lady in every way. I will miss her and remember her fondly.
Cheryl
I can say that Teresa made me feel like I was a part of a family. She always made me feel like I was important. Like I was accepted. The only one to love me. She said I was as much a sister as any. We just lost one of the most talented, loving and caring people that the world would ever know. I will always think of you and LOVE you.
Gerard Otto
To my sister after high school you worked with abused and problem children at lakeside for 25 years, after that your caring continues on with your talent and your love 0f others with your people puppets and music brought happiness to many. You were the magnet of are family we all will miss you and keep you in our hearts, your brother Gerry and family
Judy Harris
So sorry you hear of T’s death. She was such a presence. I remember her creativity with the giant puppets and music. Also her huge heart when others needed help.