Christa Otten, 86, was born on July 9, 1939, to Anton and Mathilda Kroker in Hindenburg, Germany. The youngest of three children—siblings Horst and Ruth—Christa entered the world during a time of war and hardship. At the age of three, she and her family were forced from their home when soldiers took over their town, sending her siblings to work camps. Her mother had already been taken to a work camp, and her father was serving in the German Army. As the war continued, her grandparents placed her in a Red Cross orphanage run by nuns.

It was not until Christa was eight years old that her family was finally able to locate and reunite with her. When they found her, she only recognized her sister Ruth at first. Although the nuns had cared for her, Christa had become severely malnourished and was not expected to survive. Her mother lovingly nursed her back to health. The family was living in Holzkirchen, where Christa continued her education, graduating from Catholic school and beginning to work.

While working as a receptionist in the medical field, Christa met the love of her life in a small café in Germany. She married John Otten on January 20, 1962. They welcomed four daughters—Marcene, Sonja, Sylvia, and Sandra. Christa showed resilience and strength during John's deployments to Vietnam, caring for three young girls on her own while learning American culture and the English language. Following John's retirement from the military, they spent most of their lives in South Dakota, and Christa later settled in Sturgis. She dedicated herself to motherhood with love, patience, and unwavering involvement in her daughters' lives. She was their inspiration, confidant, guide, best friend, and biggest cheerleader. John and Christa shared fifty-one beautiful years together until his passing on October 28, 2013.

Throughout her life, Christa worked at Landstrom's, the Piedmont School, and volunteered in numerous settings. Her greatest calling was being a homemaker. She possessed many talents—knitting, crocheting, sewing, and gardening—and created countless cherished things by hand. She made all of her children's clothes and taught each of them how to sew and cook. Christa's true passion, however, was quilting. Sharing her love of quilting brought her tremendous joy, and she was a patient and gifted teacher to her children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. With her warm German accent, she would say, "I show you," a phrase remembered fondly by all she taught. Her quilting friendships spanned decades, often celebrated through weekend quilting retreats at her home.

When grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, Christa poured her heart into them as well—often determined their first word would be "Oma." These bonds brought her immeasurable joy, and she treasured every connection and moment with her growing family.

Christa lived with an adventurous spirit and never shied away from trying something new. Whether a new project, Vegas vacations, four-wheeling, riding in an airplane, or hopping on a motorcycle, she embraced life with curiosity and courage.

While we all feel she has left us too soon, as she has so many quilt projects yet to complete, Christa recently reflected, "I have had a good life." For those who knew and loved her, she will be deeply missed, but her words will forever be remembered. Without a doubt, she will be smiling down on all of us, saying, "I show you," time and time again.

Christa is survived and dearly loved by her daughters: Marcene (Frank) Bloom, Sonja Otten (Cody Simmons), Sylvia Otten, and Sandra (Dean) Baldwin; grandchildren: Elliot (Bethany) Bloom, Hollie (Andrew) Smith, Joe Soester, John Otten, Nodia (Wayne) Berglund, Stetson (Kennadi) Lippert, Nadine Lippert (Dawson Rhodes), and Tyler Baldwin; fourteen great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); and her beloved dog, Kiki.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Otten; her parents Anton and Mathilda Kroker; brother Horst Kroker; sister Ruth Tholin; and granddaughter Alaina Bloom.

Christa will be remembered for her resilience, her creativity, her warmth, and her unwavering devotion to the family and friends she loved so deeply.

Christa Otten Folder