Grace Ottwein

Grace Marie (Schmidt) Ottwein was born in Highland, IL on January 22, 1932, and passed on September 26, 2026, in Maryville, IL. She is now joyously reunited with her beloved husband of over 73 years, Dr. Merrill Ottwein, who preceded her in death in March 2024. The couple were married on September 2, 1950, at Frieden’s United Church of Christ in Troy, IL.

She is survived by her children, Ann (Michael) Culp, of Edwardsville, IL, Amy (Keith) Zagar, of Southlake, TX, Paul (Amber) Ottwein, of Edwardsville, IL, and Emily Ottwein, of Edwardsville, IL; her grandchildren/great grandchildren, John Ottwein and Nicole DeVerter-Ottwein, of Goodlettsville, TN, Adam and Jessica Ottwein (Annabelle and Oscar), of Edwardsville, IL, Tyler Ottwein and Emma Pieper, of Edwardsville, IL, Dakota and Tyler Orgler (Oliver), of Bloomington, IL, Richard and Laura Leh (Devyn), of Edwardsville, IL, Matthew and Catherine Zagar (Jane and Dylan), of Dallas, TX, Patrick Zagar, of Dallas, TX, Benjamin Ottwein, of Edwardsville, IL, Bethany Paulsen (Emmet), of New Orleans, LA, Benjamin and Megan Culp (Julia, Wesley, Owen), of Holly Springs, NC, Nathan and Pamela Culp (Clayton), of Horse Shoe, NC, Gregory and Victoria Culp (Brentleigh and Elisabeth), of Rock Hill, SC; sister-in-law, Audrey Deeren, of Troy, IL; half-brother, Richard (Susan) Schmidt, of St. Jacob, IL; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Grace is also preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Theodore Guennewig, of Troy, IL and Roland Schmidt, of St. Jacob, IL; half-sister, Wanda Grotefendt, of St. Jacob, IL; and grandsons, Adam Zagar and Dr. Brent Leh.

“Gracie” lived for her family, quietly staying behind the scenes supporting Merrill’s endeavors, and raising, teaching, and encouraging the children and grandchildren with boundless love, humor, strength and positivity.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hawthorne Animal Hospital Angel Fund or Shriner’s Children’s - St. Louis.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 23, at Frieden’s United Church of Christ in Troy, IL, with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Weber & Rodney Funeral Home