The 60th reunion of the families of the late John Gerhard and Caroline Sophia Mellenbruch Otte met July 15 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church Borchers fellowship hall for a pitch-in luncheon hosted by descendants William and Marie Louise Otte Bode.

Following the meal, a brief meeting was conducted by Marie’s granddaughter, Diane Bode Isaacs. Fred Otte’s granddaughter, Marlis Otte Kidd, read her minutes from the 2017 reunion. They were approved as read.

Carmen Herkamp, George Otte’s descendant, provided the families with a detailed printout of the seven births, five marriages and six deaths that took place in the last year. A silent prayer was given in honor of the deceased.

After passing the hat, a treasury report was given. It was then voted to give donations to the church for use of the facilities and to Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry in Seymour.

A vote was taken and passed to continue the reunion with the families of George and Anna Otte hosting it in 2019 on the third Sunday in July.

In remembrance of John and Caroline, a quiz game of “Who Am I” was played. Carmen Herkamp won the prize. Fred Otte’s family won the head count with having the most family members present. The prize was given to the eldest member, Bertha Otte. Traveling the farthest, coming from Indianapolis, was given to the Levenhagen family.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer and singing the traditional hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”