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Erika L. Otto

10/26/1977 - 01/24/2018
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Erika L. Otto, age 40, of Neenah, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, January 24, 2018. She was a fighter but her anxiety and depression became unbearable and were too much to overcome. What happened to her does not define her. Her identity is not in mental illness and what it did to her. Erika's identity is in Christ Jesus, her Savior, her Redeemer. Erika is in His loving arms. Erika was a devoted loving and proud wife, mother, sister, and auntie.
She was born October 26, 1977, in Milwaukee to William and Noreen (Konieczny) Kuczynski, and loved listening to Brewer games with her grandpa. Erika graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Education. She taught at U.S. Grant Elementary School in Milwaukee, at Davis Child Care Center in Oshkosh, and then went to work at OakPark Dental in Oshkosh before dedicating her life to being the best mom for her three loves. On July 3, 2004, Erika married Ryan Otto at Grace Lutheran Church in Winchester. She was an active member of New Hope Lutheran Church, Neenah, and had many close friends including her sisters in Christ. Erika was a mother to all kids, never judging anyone, and had a "Friends" connection to others. She always smiled when she remembered listening to the Brewer games and Polkas on the radio with Grandpa Al. She loved making memories at Big Hills Lake with her family and the recent vacation to Disney World.
Erika is survived by her loving husband, Ryan; their three children, Molly, Lauren, and Jack; her brother and sister-in-law, Sean and Jennifer Kuczynski; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Patti Otto; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Shanna and Glen Krueger, Tyler and Ali Otto, Callie and Dave Patriquin; Grandmother, Carol Otto; nieces and nephews, Amiya, Maysen, Max, Kate, Liv, Bailey, Dawson, Tommy, Gordy, and Elsie; and other relatives and friends including her "sunshine" Jill, who all hold her in their hearts.
Preceding Erika in death was her mother, Noreen Kuczynski; grandparents, Bousch and Papa; and an uncle, Dan Schuenemann.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, January 27, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. until Noon at New Hope Lutheran Church 1850 American Dr. Neenah. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday at Noon at the church with Pastor Jeff Prewitt officiating. Inurnment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah at a later date.
Erika's family wishes to thank the staff of Christian Family Solutions and many others who were helping Erika, Pastor Jeff Prewitt and New Hope Church, the Neenah Police Department and all responders who assisted in this difficult time.
If you wish pleases submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.

Becky Butelefski wrote on February 6, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss Ryan. She was always such a genuinely kind person to talk to. She truly will be missed and remembered by so many.

Leo & Michelle Schmude wrote on January 27, 2018
Ryan- So sorry to hear the passing of your wife. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God be with you in this time of comfort.

Don & Carol Reichert wrote on January 27, 2018
Ryan and family, We were so shocked and saddened to see this sad news. It is so hard to understand when such a loss happens to such a wonderful family. May Jesus comfort you and all of your family.

Sonya and Tom Barger wrote on January 27, 2018
Ryan, Sean and family-We were so sorry to hear about Erica, she was a beautiful girl and I know her Mother was so proud of her. They now have a reunion in heaven and are no longer alone. I'm sorry that we were unable to attend the funeral, would have loved to see you all. We will stop to visit Sean in Milwaukee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jennifer and Eric Gray wrote on January 27, 2018
We knew Erika to be a kind, thoughtful, sweet and beautiful woman. Our hearts are broken for her and her family. Ryan and her children will be in our prayers for years to come.

Stu and Kay Krause wrote on January 27, 2018
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. As you and your family go through this very difficult time, now and in the future, your strength will come from your faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Susanne Hartman wrote on January 26, 2018
My deepest Sympathy to all her Family Members during this difficult time! My heart goes out to you! Keeping you in my prayers.

Gwidt Family wrote on January 26, 2018
Sending our condolences, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time-

Carol Shapiro wrote on January 26, 2018
Patti and Tom I am so sorry for your loss. I love you and want to put my arms around you. You and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sue and Gerry Mader wrote on January 26, 2018
Ryan, Molly, Lauren,Jack, we were so sorry to learn of Erika's passing. May she find her peace. We pray that God will be with you and the kids and bless you with strength as you grieve.

Joanna Morey and Greg Austin wrote on January 26, 2018
All of you are in our prayers. Erika's smile, laughter, and generous spirit touched so many people. We are so sorry.

Karen Tednes wrote on January 26, 2018
With deepest sympathy Ryan to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.

Lehrer and Jones family wrote on January 26, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers to all of Erika's family. Erika will be remembered as a sweet ray of sunshine that always had a smile and kind word for everyone. May our Heavenly Father carry you through the day's and year's ahead and may you always feel his peace and comfort during this unimaginable painful time.

Tim Spata wrote on January 26, 2018
My condolences and sympathy to the entire family!

Laurie ( Gwidt ) Frey wrote on January 26, 2018
My thoughts of love and prayers go out to your entire family, you all became such a huge part of our lives when Ryan took our Dad on the Honor Flight, and Erkia and your family came to see the boys arrive home. Bless you all....

The Posegate Family wrote on January 26, 2018
Praying for you during this time of unimaginable loss. May the Lord comfort you in the days and years ahead. We will hold Erika in our hearts, and remember how devoted she was to those she loved.

Jenny Hoerth wrote on January 26, 2018
Sending prayers and thoughts to you all. Erika was such a sweetheart and I remember fondly those times at Starbucks that we were able to chat. She will be missed.

Vanessa Brayton wrote on January 26, 2018
Erika was a wonderful volunteer within our 4K classroom, and we were lucky to have such a kind-hearted helper within our school community. I am thinking of the entire Otto family and my deepest condolences are with you.

Carol Shapiro wrote on January 26, 2018
Patti and Tom I am so sorry for your loss. I love you and want to put my arms around you. You and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Autumn Spata wrote on January 26, 2018
My deepest condolences to the entire family. The world lost a beautiful woman. May she rest in peace.

Sue Borkon wrote on January 26, 2018
Im so sorry for your loss, Sean. A loss like this is never easy and it certainly is not the kind of life experience you get over. Your sentiments to her beautifully spoken  and she will always be with you. My deepest sympathies, Sue Borkon

Tiffany Malin wrote on January 25, 2018
She was so kind, and was always there to help anyone. Such a sweet soul! She will truly be missed by all who knew her no matter how long or short of a time you knew her.

Jason & Kari Oakland wrote on January 25, 2018
Ryan and family, you are all in our prayers during this difficult time. We are so sad to hear this news! May God give you strength and comfort. Please let us know if we can be of any help...your neighbors around the corner.

Kathleen Kurpiel wrote on January 25, 2018
To the family of Erica, Our sincere condolences to you all at this time. Wally and I send our deepest sympathy Sincerely Wally and Kathi Kurpiel

Terri and Rick Radtke wrote on January 25, 2018
Our sympathy to your entire family during this sad time. Hold onto your memories.

Alyssa Omdal wrote on January 25, 2018
Erika is loved and missed! I met her at Bible study at Calvary Bible Church a few years ago. We always had such great conversations, about deeper things like God and friendship and life. I always enjoyed her perspective. And I will always remember her beautiful beautiful eyes. My heart breaks for your loss. I know she loved you all so much!

Mrs. Baus wrote on January 25, 2018
Your family is in my thoughts. We miss you at school Jack!

Sue and Mark Haddock wrote on January 25, 2018
Ryan - we are terribly sorry for the loss of your wife. Please know we are sending prayers of strength to you and your family.

Therese Probst wrote on January 25, 2018
My heart aches for your family. Shanna, if there is anything we can do to help please just ask. Love and peace.

Steve and Deb Komp wrote on January 25, 2018
Ryan and family, We are deeply saddened over Erika's sudden death. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. We have always admired and respected you both as a couple, as parents and as friends in Christ. May God be with you now in this time of sorrow, and grant you His peace, love and Easter joy! Love, Steve and Deb

Jill Hogan wrote on January 25, 2018
I know nothing more to do than pray for all of you right now. Thank you for sharing this very personal story so that we can all take time to be more aware.

Bill and Pam Hall wrote on January 25, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Losing someone you love is the hardest to go through.

The Dungan Family wrote on January 25, 2018
Thinking of all of you. Love and prayers.

Kenn Neumann wrote on January 25, 2018
My prayers to all. This is felt by all who care. My condolences.

Chris and Michelle Schneider wrote on January 25, 2018
We are so very saddened by this. Erika was a beautiful woman inside and out, a kind soul with sparkly eyes and a smile for miles. Our thoughts & prayers are with Ryan, Molly, Lauren and Jack - may God wrap you in his love and comfort! We are also saddened and praying for her brother and Family, as well as her awesome in-laws. We love you guys! We are here for you all.

Ryan & Lisa Olson wrote on January 25, 2018
Our hearts are broken to hear this news. Erika was such an amazing person; she was truly beautiful inside and out. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very sad time.