"I will never forget Judy, she had the biggest heart. "
In loving memory of
Judy Otis
June 16, 1942 - May 25, 2021
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 28, 2021. A rosary will begin at 9:30 A.M. followed immediately by a visitation at 10:00 A.M. Father Tim Johnson will officiate.
Judy was born to Ralph and Helen Weir on June 16, 1942, in Estherville, Iowa. She was the eldest of four children. In 1960, she graduated from Titonka High School. After graduation, she was employed at the Algona Implement until her marriage to Edward Otis on November 21, 1961. They raised their family on the Otis family farm east of Wesley.
Judy was well known in the community for her infamous cinnamon rolls and red velvet cakes. She would often gift these to family and friends during the holidays. She received many phone calls over the years from her children requesting her recipes. She rarely used one, but a cookbook was made in her honor by her four daughters for her 70th birthday; What's Cookin' Good Lookin'.
She loved to spend time camping at nearby lakes, cross-stitching, and reading. She could also be found kicking up her heels on the dance floor with her favorite partner (Ed), whenever the opportunity presented itself. Judy loved football, especially the Hawkeyes, Cyclones, Vikings, and Packers! However, her favorite teams were the ones her kids were on. She was always a constant fixture in the stands, cheering them on. Mom and Dad loved to winter in Arizona, but their house in Wesley, truly was home.
She was in the first class of volunteers for the Algona Hospice program in 1987. She felt blessed to be given the opportunity to provide loving care to others in their final days. For that reason, butterflies, which is a symbol associated with hospice, have always held a special significance for her.
Judy had a strong belief in the power of prayer and her faith in God. It was her love of praying the rosary each day that brought her great solace. Over the years she gifted over 200 corded rosaries to those she loved.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, in-law's; Edmund and Teresa Otis, and brother-in-law; Tom Otis.
Judy is survived by her husband Ed of 59 years, but really... they had been together for almost 64. Six children; Laura Hoversten (John), Jim Otis (Lori), Linda Degen (Ron), Diane Carroll (Gary), David (Twyla), and Debra Harris (Kurt); 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three brothers; Gene, Terry, Bill and their families.
Memorials can be sent to American Cancer Society in her honor.
When we see the color turquoise, we will always think of Mom.
Tributes
"Judy was a true friend and always WELL thought of. Judy was loved by her family. Earl Goetz"
"Back in 1978 my brother was going to school at Waldorf and was playing basketball we had to get him to the game to play a Snow storm was just starting when we left Algona as we got there of course they postponed the game on the way back it was getting bad ,we were stuck right in front of the Otis House with 25 other people, Ed ,my Dad and i and Rollie Perkins Helped clear the Highway of Cars,We were welcomed into there Home with opened Arms,Judy made everyone sign a guestbook,we were there for three days they fed us gave us a place to sleep till the plows came through Something i will never forget.Great Family and One Great Lady Rest in Peace !!!! Steve Krapp and Joann Eischen."
"Dear Debra, I\'m so sorry to hear of your loss. As I read your Mother\'s obit, it made me wish I knew her! God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Rachel Crandall"
"My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Linda."
"Judy was a wonderful aunt, and I will hold on to those beautiful memories. My deepest condolences to all of you. I pray for comfort and peace for you at this time. Much love, Anne"
"So sorry for your loss. Judy was one special lady. Prayers "
"So sorry to the family for your loss. I was one of those that were on the board for Hospice when it first started back in 1987. Remember Judy so well and enjoyed her company and smiles as we would talk. She was a lovely lady and know she will be missed so much. Thoughts and Prayers for all of you "
"Sorry to hear of the Otis family loss of Judy our neighbor for almost 50 years. Judy and Ed were so helpful at the time of our loss and shared the recipes she is so well known for. She is remembered often as we eat the chocolate cake known as Judy?s."
"The Otis and Weir families have our deepest sympathy. Judy\'s smile could light up a room. Our prayers are with you."
"Sending prayers. Have memories of spending lots of weekends at Lost Island with her and Ed. She made the best mulberry pie. "
"Debra - Sending you lots of love from my family. Jody, Chris and Tempe?"
"Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed sewing for Judy and will miss her. Joe and Joyce Wagner"