Carl Otte

The Carl H. Otte Family - Laura, Arnold, Esther, Carl

My father, Carl Otte, was born on Jan. 18, 1895, to Frederick and Anna Otee. On March 31, 1918, he married Esther Wesche, born July 26, 1896. My mother was the daughter of John and Lucinda Wesche. Grandpa Wesche was one of fifteen children born to Daniel and Frederika Wesche.

My father served with the United States Army during World War I. He was a life long member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ridgeville Township. At one time or another he held all offices of the church and was the Sunday School superintendent for many years.

He served as a member of the Ridgeville Rural Board of Education for a number of years.

He lived on the Otte Homestead all his life as a farmer. In later years he was also a director in the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

My brother, Arnold, was born on May 16, 1920. He was wounded in action while serving his country during World War II. He still resides on the home place with my mother.

I, Laura, was born on March 2, 1924. My brother and I attended the Dittmer School and the Ridgeville High School.

On April 6, 1947, I was married to Raymond Panning, son of Fred and Julia Panning of Wauseon, Ohio.

The Raymond Panning Family. Standing: Mary, Vivian, Lucinda, Debra; seated: Raymond, Laura, Dian.

We are now residing in Toledo, Ohio. Ray is in the home construction business. We are the parents of 5 daughters: Mrs. Vivian Nelson, Mrs. Diana Krieger, Mrs. Lucinda Palmer, Deborah, and Mary Ann.

My father died very suddenly on September 28, 1970, at the age of 75.

Submitted by Laura Panning nee Otte