The descendants of the late John and Caroline Mellenburch Otte gathered for their 61st annual reunion July 14 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Borchers.
John’s father, Johann Heinrich Otte, and Caroline’s father, Conrad Mellenbruch, were founding members of Borchers. The family of the late George and Anna Koop Otte hosted the event.
Family members recited the common table prayer before enjoying a pitch-in meal. Thirty-eight members were present.
After the meal, Brad Herkamp conducted the business meeting. Attendance was taken with members raising their hands based on their family group. A moment of silence was held for three members, Kitturah Lutes Weddle, Nolan Herkamp and Kenneth Lee Pumphrey.
Minutes of the 2018 meeting were approved, and the treasurer’s report was given. Members voted to give $50 to St. Paul for the use of the facility and to donate $50 to Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry in Seymour.
Carmen Herkamp provided members with updates to the family history. She led a trivia session about the Otte family and quizzed members about common professions from years ago.
Jerry and Pixie Otte and Dave and Diane Isaacs received prizes for being married the longest. Bertha Otte received a prize for being the oldest member present, and Ronnie and Carol Huffmeyer received the prize for traveling the farthest.
Members agreed to change the reunion date to the second Sunday in July so it doesn’t conflict with the Jackson County Fair. The 2020 reunion will be July 12 with the family of the late Frank and Bertha Kemp Otte as host.
The meeting was closed with the traditional singing of "God Be with You."
