Paula Lynn Otto

Paula Lynn Otto, Fargo, ND, formerly of Park River, ND, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Sanford Health Center at the age of 60.  
Paula was born June 1, 1964, in Cavalier, ND to Paul and Ina (Brown) Sigurdson of Gardar, ND.   Paula married Michael Otto in 1985.    From their union, the loves of Paula’s life, Max and Sam were born.  Although no longer married, Paula and Mike remained friends, dedicated to providing their sons with a strong family bond.   
Paula attended Edinburg Public School and was a graduate of the University of North Dakota.   Paula worked for the FmHA and USDA in Park River and Fargo.    After her sons graduated from high school, she moved to Fargo and worked in the banking industry before returning to the USDA, retiring in 2024 after 29 years.   
Paula grew up on the Sigurdson family farm west of Gardar with her parents and three sisters.   Days were spent playing with her sisters and cousins in the farmyard, building forts in the woods, jumping rocks at the river, picking strawberries in Uncle Lloyd’s strawberry patch, and riding bikes to Gardar to purchase a comic book and a pop.   Music was very important to Paula and her family.   Paula was a talented pianist.  For several years, she served as organist of the Pembina Hills Lutheran Church in Gardar, ND.   During her youth, Paula, her sisters and next-door neighbor cousins, sang as a group, entertaining the community at the Gardar Community Club monthly variety show.  The Pembina Hills Lutheran Church was a big part of Paula’s life and returning to the small, beautiful rural church in Gardar still felt like “home” to her.  We talked about these precious memories often.   We were all fortunate to have such an amazing childhood provided by our loving parents.  
Paula was an amazing cook and baker.    She learned the art of making the best-ever potato salad and the Icelandic goodie, Kleinur, from her Mom and Amma.  She was the planner of family events and always made family time special for all of us. Paula was an unwavering source of strength and support to her children, parents, sisters, sisters-in-law, extended family and friends.   
During her children’s school years, Paula taught Sunday School and was active in the Aggie Booster program.  She was known as Mom to many neighborhood kids as well as the kids on her boys’ sports teams, serving many fabulous meals, including pre-game meals, for the teams.   Her house was always open to these children, which filled her heart with joy.  Her bonus kids adored her.  
Paula’s greatest joy in her life was her sons, their wives and her two granddaughters.  Her love knew no bounds.  She instilled in her sons strong values, guiding them to become men who cherish their families and are deeply committed to helping others.  Paula was always there for her Max and Sam, attending and celebrating every important moment, and supporting them through life’s challenges.   Her daughters-in-law, Melissa and Whitney, filled her life with happiness and laughter.    Paula was blessed to be Grandma to Roe and Ava, her precious baby girls.   She documented her life with her little ones, sharing pictures and videos almost daily with her family.  The joy in her voice and on her face radiated from her when her little girls were with her and when she talked about them.  Her family will forever treasure these videos and pictures.
Paula’s faith in God was steadfast.  She leaned on the Lord in good times and challenging times, always trusting in Him.   She guided her children throughout their lives, encouraging them to trust in God’s plan.   She held firmly to her faith through these last difficult days, an inspiration to all who were with her.    Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.  
Paula is survived by her sons and their families, Max, Melissa and Ava Otto, Bismarck, ND, Sam, Whitney and Roe Otto, Colfax, ND, former husband, Michael, Park River, ND, parents Paul and Ina Sigurdson, Grand Forks, ND,  Mother-in-law, Lois Otto, Hatton, ND, sisters Cindy (Leigh) Johanneck, Ashburn, VA,  Patty (Dave) Schoenrock, Grand Forks, ND, Lori (Braden Davidson) Sigurdson, Sheridan, WY,   sisters-in-law, Patti (Kenneth) Novacek, Mayville, ND,  Lisa (Tom) Steinolfson, Colfax, ND and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt and uncle Sharon and Bob Smith, San Jose, CA and her best friend, Mary Sue Ohlhauser.  
You will always be close in our hearts Paula.  We love you.
Funeral Services will be on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:00 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at Pioneer Lutheran Cemetery of Gardar, ND. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fargo Police Foundation, Attn: Sgt Bollman, 105 25th St N. Fargo, ND, 58102. www.fargopolicefoundation.com

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