Full Obituary

     Theodore J. “Theo” den Otter, age 71, of Athens, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at his home.  Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, August 20, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Athens, with Rev. George Graham officiating.  The family will receive relatives and friends, at the church on Monday, from 10am until time of service.  Pallbearers will be: Eric den Otter, Luke den Otter, Morris den Otter, John den Otter, Joe O'Neill and John Rhodes.
     Theo was born on September 13, 1946 in Schyndel, the Netherlands, to Hendrikus and Antonia (van den Oetelaar) den Otter.  Theo married the love of his life, Diane Decoeur, on August 15, 1970 at St. Martin Tours Catholic Church, in Glen Robertson, Ontario, Canada.  Theo and Diane bought their first farm in eastern Ontario and started their family there.  In 1982, they moved to Wisconsin and dairy farmed in Athens until the time of his death.
     Theo enjoyed repairing/painting vehicles, being in the woods, and making maple syrup.  He could always be found with a coffee cup in his hand and telling stories.  Most of all though, he enjoyed watching his family grow.
     Theo is survived by his wife, Diane; his children: Suzanne (Dennis) Roehl of Loyal, Stephan (Candi) of Tigerton, Marc (Nicole) of Athens and Mike (Jennifer) of Athens.  He was a proud “Papa” to his grandchildren: Eric, Luke, Hannah, Malachi, Cody, Isabelle, Dimitri, Abby, Devon, Katelyn, Jackson, Zachery, Cole, Kathryn, Ethan and Megan.  He is also survived by 8 siblings: Helena (Allan) McCuaig, Annie Larocque, Mary (Barry) MacDonald, Henrietta (Joe) O’Neill, Joanne (Bernie) St. Denis, Patricia Larocque (Yvon Ranger), Morris (Louann) den Otter and John (Anna) den Otter, all of Canada.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Betty-Anne Bordynuik; mother and father-in-law: Paul and Yvonne Decoeur; and brothers-in-law: Bill, Gerald, Jean-Guy, Marcel, Robert, and Yvon.
     The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Aspirus Hospice Home Care for their compassion, kindness and support.