Evelyn Otto

Evelyn “Evie” Otto, formerly of East Troy, WI and Bonita Springs, FL peacefully passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 88, in Mequon, Wisconsin. She was born on October 3, 1936, in Cameroon, Central Africa, to Dr. Gwilym and Doris (nee Williams) Davies, medical missionaries at the time.

Evie was a 1954 graduate of Waukesha High School and a 1958 graduate of Carroll University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. Evie met her husband Bruce at Carroll and was united in marriage in 1958. Her love for community extended beyond her immediate circle as a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, where she formed many treasured friendships, and as a member of the PEO Sisterhood. Evie worked briefly as a substitute teacher, however her most cherished role was that of a stay-at-home mom, nurturing and supporting her family with a warm smile and a welcoming spirit.

Retirement life with Bruce in Bonita Springs was filled with tennis and golf, book club, entertaining friends and hosting visitors. She enjoyed her weekly shifts at the First Presbyterian Church Thrift Shop. Evie and Bruce spent summers on Lake Beulah in East Troy reconnecting with extended family and friends and hosting many celebrations at the lake. Evie was a member of the Lake Beulah Yacht Club and enjoyed watching the sailboat races from the deck. Evie also found joy in keeping up her large flower garden.

Among her proudest accomplishments, Evie often reminisced about her golf hole-in-one and her unique place of birth, both of which exemplified her zest for life and the adventures it offered. Her legacy of warmth, community, and love will endure in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Evie is survived by her children Jennifer (Dan) Wade and Peter (Suling) Otto; her daughter-in-law Diane Otto; her sisters Gen Hall and Dottie (Jim) Watson and brother-in-law Doug (Debbie) Otto. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jeff Wade, Ally Wade, Abigail Otto, Ashley Guo, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cherished extended family and friends.

Evie was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Otto; her son, Michael Otto; her sisters, Edythe (Richard) Conway, and Joan Evans, sister-in-law Jean (Steven) Abbott; and her parents.

A heartfelt thank you to the compassionate caregivers at Anita’s Gardens, Horizon Home Care and the Lawlis Family Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Carroll University - Evelyn Davies Otto Scholarship or the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.