IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Katherine Otte

Services for Katherine Bell Bishoff Otte, 98, who died Aug. 1, 2026, will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lincolnville.

Visitation will be an hour before the services at the church. Burial will follow at Lincolnville Cemetery.

The second daughter of Augustus Richard Bishoff and Vida Mary Strange Bishoff, she was born July 23, 1928, at Lake City. The family moved to rural Chase County in the fall of 1929.

She attended Pleasant Valley grade school, a one-room school, and took summer classes at Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia.

She was baptized by immersion in Cedar Creek and was a member of the Wonsevu Christian Church.

She taught two years in one-room schools, her first year at Pleasant Valley and her second at Bethel, east of Lincolnville.

During this time, she met her future husband, Walter Otte, the love of her life. They were married May 16, 1947, by Pastor Wegener at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Lincolnville.

They had 66 years together before Walter died July 23, 2013, on Katherine’s 85th birthday.

They had two children, a daughter Dianna Thrift Gillett, who preceded her in death, and a son Stanley Otte (and wife Nora) of Dwight.

They also had seven grandchildren, Scott, Kevin and Patrick Thrift; Amanda Otte; Stacy Vernon; Jeffrey Prafke; and Jenna Powers along with nine great-grandchildren, Toby Thrift, Zayne Powers, Lucy Vernon, Taylor and Hailey Thornhill, and Steve, Gary, Brian and Eric Gillett of Larned.

Katherine worked for eight years at Paragon Sewing Factory in Herington and for 32 years at Lutheran Nursing Home.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lincolnville. She was confirmed March 16, 1948, and taught Sunday school for several years.

Family was at the heart of Katherine’s life. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and their families, especially the fun and laughter shared at family gatherings.

She found joy in simple things — sewing quilts, working puzzles, gardening, and most of all being surrounded by people she loved.

Memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Good Shepherd Hospice and may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove KS 66846.