Obituary of Douglas Otte

Douglas Charles Otte, 82, of Hopatcong, NJ passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025 at his home.

Born on January 29, 1943 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Arthur and Esther (Bjorkman) Otte, Douglas began his journey with two years in Central America in the Peace Corps in the 1960's before earning his Master's Degree in Education. He was then a beloved teacher of Spanish at Chatham High School by those who both passed his class and those who didn't, which is a testament to how amazing he was as a teacher. He retired after more than 30 years of service.

Douglas was an alpine ski racer, sailor, gardener, handyman and world traveler. He was a member of the High Life Ski Club and Craigmeur Ski Club, as well as The Sailing Club.

Doug was a man of many talents and interests and his life journey had an almost countless number of chapters, with so many wonderful people. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be remembered always by his playful smile and enthusiasm for life.

In addition to his parents, Douglas was predeceased by his brother Glenn Otte.

Survivors include his current partner; Nancy Mathiesen, daughter; Carmen (Otte) Schooley, (with husband Richard and their children Jessica Carmen Schooley and Jordan Lee Schooley), son; Douglas A. Otte (with wife Kelly (Langton) Otte and their children Paige Addison Otte and Douglas "Finn" Arthur Otte), previous spouses; Nancy Pitcher and Mary Lou Zett, siblings: Duane Otte (with wife Marge), Carole Otte-Pesek (with husband Bill), Lloyd Otte and sister-in-law Janice (Glen Otte's wife).

Douglas' Life Celebration will include visitation on Friday August 22 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A funeral prayer service will be offered at 7:30 PM Friday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Doctor's Without Borders, www.doctorswithoutborders.org.