Obituary of Josephine “Joey” Otis

Josephine “Joey” Otis, born in 1918 in New York Mills, MN to Josephine and James Tisdell. She was nearly 102 years-old and died surrounded by family and those who cared for and loved her company in February 2020 while living in Duluth, MN.

Joey graduated from New York Mills High School and moved to Minneapolis where she attended the Minneapolis College of Business. She retired from her job in insurance sales and married Paul. F. Otis, Jr. in 1964. They lived primarily in Duluth and, for many winters, in Naples, FL. She was a fun-loving and humorous person with an ever-positive attitude. Joey was an early riser each day, an avid fan of sunsets, and a classy and witty woman all her life.

Joey and Paul were regular and frequent golfers and active members of the Duluth Curling Club, and the Ridgeview and Foxfire Country Clubs. They also enjoyed world and national travel, skiing, dinner parties, and the company of family and friends near and far.

She leaves behind her daughters, Patricia Doll and Mary Lou McCoy, grandchildren David McCoy, Tamara (Steve) Eilen, Michael (Liesel) Doll, Mat Doll, Amy (Donny) Wohlers, Mark Doll, her stepson Ron Reuter, and grandchildren Lisa (Kevin) Hanna, along with 16 great-grandchildren & 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, adoring husband, twin brother, 5 other siblings, and granddaughter Deidra Rahn.

A service is planned for Friday, February 21, at 2 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota (4100 Grand Avenue; Duluth; 55807) followed by a celebratory reception with refreshments following the service (with Pastor Phil Hooper officiating). Memorials can be made to a charitable organization of your choosing.

The family thanks the Franciscan Health Center for all their support, care, and love of our mother, grandmother, and friend. We know she was thoughtful of and grateful for all the staff.