Melissa Ann Otto

Melissa "Missy" Ann Otto was born on October 11, 1973, in Mankato, Minnesota. She passed away on January 16, 2024 after a very sudden decline in her health. Missy was only 50 years of age. The timing of her loss is completely unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened. Missy is survived by her loving parents Paul & Jennifer (Joey) Otto, her sister Jonika (Corky) Nix and their children (Cash, Gracelyn), aunts and uncles Kari (Dan) Southard, Jayne (Gregg) Struss, David (Terri) Hauser, Darlyne (Lyle) Paulson, Sandra Glenn, cousins Kelly Webb, Heidi (Matthew) Goggans, John (Rachel) Southard, Josh (Shannon) Hauser, Adam (Brittany) Hauser, Beth (Tate) Christopherson, Amanda (Rob) Clouse, Emilee (Kelly Davis) Struss, Anna Struss, Josh (Kristin) Otto, Bethany (Curtis) Boswell, Mike Glenn, Chris (Jennifer) Paulson, Kent (Lorie) Paulson, David (Carrie) Paulson, Goddaughter Hayleigh Bronson, special friends Stacie Gillette, Heather Kneefe, Dawn Eckstrom, her dog Asher and many loyal friends and extended family members. Missy excelled in athletics at Sibley East High School playing volleyball, basketball, softball, and golf before graduating in 1992 and continuing her education at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. During her time at UWRF she was a member of the basketball and softball teams. After college she found her career passion in grounds maintenance working at several golf courses throughout MN before settling in at a corporate campus as the Head Groundskeeper at the Aveda headquarters in Blaine. Her true passion though was coaching basketball. She was a girls basketball coach for 7 years in Coon Rapids and Andover. The girls would tell you that her greatest contribution to their lives were the countless non-basketball lessons that she taught and the fact that she was accessible to them 24/7 if they needed her. She wasn't just a coach, she was a mentor, an example of perseverance and hard work and most importantly a true friend. Missy would also find a new sport to love after college - football. She was part of the inaugural season for the Women's Professional Football League in 1999 playing for the Lake Michigan Minx as a Running Back. The following year she joined the Minnesota Vixen where she played for 5 more seasons as a Defensive Back. She was a fiery competitor and a great leader. Her ambitious endeavors didn't end there as she continued to play competitive softball on several teams over the course of her adult life. She loved to compete but even more than that she loved all the friends that athletics had allowed her to make and all the fond memories and laughs that went along with them. In fact, we are sure that those that competed with or against her can fondly recall hearing her laughter echo across ball fields, basketball gymnasiums and golf courses throughout the Midwest. Missy will be remembered for her generous heart, her infectious laugh, and her fervor for life and all its opportunity. We love you Missy. A celebration of life for Missy will be held at 10:30am on March 4th at the Shakopee Community Center, 1255 Fuller St South, Shakopee, MN 55379 In lieu of flowers, we know Missy would like donations to be made to her niece's charity, Gracelyn's Hope https://gracelynshope.org or to Adult and Teen Challenge https://www.mntc.org

Tributes

Melissa Ann Otto

October 11, 1973 - January 16, 2024

Tributes

Melissa Ann Otto

October 11, 1973 - January 16, 2024

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