Muriel “Patty” (Fessler) Otto

Muriel Mabel “Patty” Otto passed peacefully from this life at the age of 98 with a still-sharp mind into her final day. She was born on July 7, 1928 in Geneva, IL and left this world on September 1, 2026, in Canon City, CO with her daughter, Kristin, by her side.

Muriel was born to parents Arthur and Clara Emma (Glasshagel) Fessler, the second of four children. Legend has it that as a tot she loved playing the “patty cake” game in her highchair earning her the nickname of “Patty” which she was known as for the rest of her life.

Patty graduated with the West Chicago High class of 1946. On June 13,1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Douglas Otto, in Illinois. One week later the newlyweds moved to Colorado Springs, CO where they lived until 1972 before moving to Canon City, CO. They later returned to Colorado Springs.

Patty and Douglas had two daughters, Kristin and Rebecca “Becky”. She loved being a homemaker and was a talented cook, seamstress, gardener, and home canner. Pickles and cookies of all kinds were among her specialties, and she delighted in making matching “sister dresses” for her two girls!

Patty also worked at various points as a dental assistant. Her hobbies were baking, canning, tending to her flowers, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens, and was an avid reader. She had a deep and enduring faith to her God and His Son and spent years devoted to study of the Bible. She died with a strong hope of being resurrected to a perfect eternity.

Patty enjoyed travel and as a young woman went to New York City, Novia Scotia and other locales. Later as a family, memorable trips were enjoyed together to visit Illinois, and many western states. They also racked up numerous weekend drives and picnics in the nearby mountains.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband Douglas in 2014 after 61 years of marriage. Two years later, she returned to Canon City to be closer to her daughters. She was preceded in death by her younger daughter Rebecca “Becky” Otto in 2022.

Patty was the last survivor of the four “Fessler kids”. Her brother Wayne died just one month before her passing. Her parents, brother Warren “Mikey” Fessler and sister Phyllis Meyer, all predeceased her.

She is survived by daughter Kristin Hegler and son-in-law John Hegler, dear cousins Sylvia Jurians and Lois Howland, nieces, nephews, and many loving friends she considered to be her family. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Patty had the remarkable health to live on her own well into her 97th year. Her family is extremely grateful to the staff at Canon Lodge Care Center for their compassionate care during the last few months of Patty’s life after a hip fracture slowed her pace.

A private remembrance gathering will take place. In honor of Patty’s memory, please consider a donation to the Canon City Public Library, 516 Macon Ave, Canon City, CO 81212 (a place she dearly loved to visit in her later years) or the Pantry of Fremont, PO Box 254, Canon City, CO 81215. The Springs Funeral Service was entrusted with her final care.