Joan Catherine Otting, 92, of Cascade, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at River Bend in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation for Joan will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 21, 2025 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Joan at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.  Assisting Deacon is Mark Otting.

She was born October 24, 1932 in Cascade, Iowa daughter of George W. and Ella M. (Brun) McGovern in Cascade, Iowa.  She received her education in the former St. Martin’s School in Cascade and then graduated from St. Alexius School of Nursing (University of Mary) in Bismark, ND, where she stayed and worked for some time.

On May 4, 1957 she was united in marriage to Gerald B. “Jerry” Otting at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on May 24, 2024.

After returning to the Cascade area She worked at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, and then Xavier in Dubuque.  She then transitioned to John McDonald Hospital in Monticello and was there until she left her nursing role; she always identified as a nurse, the profession she loved.  She continued to help others in the community by starting a La Leche League organization and supporting weight loss program.  In addition, she fostered 15 babies awaiting adoption through Catholic Charities.  As-well-asShe made and donated baby quilts to area organizations.

She enjoyed researching her family ancestory, including a trip to Ireland to trace her McGovern ancestors.  She and Jerry enjoyed many trips and winters in Arizona.  She loved playing cards, Bingo, puzzles and the occasional trip to the casino.

She will be remembered for her strong faith in God, her love for her family and her strong independent spirit.

She is survived by her five children, Jill (Kenny) Ehlers and Thomas Otting both of Cascade, IA, Jennifer (Jon) Metzen of Center Point, IA, Maribeth (Brian) Kramer of Farley, IA and Michael (Michaela) Otting of Cascade, IA; fifteen grandchildren, Jackye Bowlin, Brad Manternach, Lindsey Haefner and Abby Manternach; Jared Metzen, Jake Metzen and Joey Metzen; Lauren Kurt, Allison Millmier, Lane Kramer, Emerson Kramer, Will Otting, Laura Otting, Ella Otting and Samantha Otting; nine Great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and four step great grandchildren; three siblings, Betty Leibold all of Cascade, IA, Sr. Ann McGovern of Canton, OH, and Bob (Cheryl) McGovern of Verona, WI; two sisters-in-laws, Jean Ann (Mrs. Donald) Otting, Jean (Mrs. Robert) Otting,

She was also preceded in death by her parents; and Siblings, James “Buddy” (Georgene) McGovern, Jackie (Francis) Trumm, Faith (Bob) Kelly, Tom McGovern, Donna (Merlin) Reinke, Linda (Urban) Manternach, and Marie (Kenny) Green; and her father and mother-in-law, Joseph A. and Anna H. (Soppe) Otting; six brothers-in-law, Bill (Madonna) Otting, Jim (Grace) Otting, Bob Otting, Don Otting, and Fr. Loras Otting and Louis Leibold; three sisters-in-law, Betty (Cliff) Woerdehoff, Rosemary Otting, and Joanne Otting; two nieces, Sharon Aldrich and Stacy Green.

An Online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

The family of Joan would like to thank the staff of Riverbend Retirement Community in Cascade, Hospice of Dubuque for all their care and compassion and Fr. Mark and the Deacon’s of St. Matthias Parish for their many visits.