Sarah “Suzie” Suzanne (Lessard) Ottgen, 84, of Bellaire, Michigan, passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, surrounded by family.
She was born in Traverse City, Michigan, on April 12, 1942 to the late Rolland Roy & Sara Emily (Berg) Lessard.
Suzie graduated from Huron High School in Michigan and went on to marry her husband, Dolph Max Ottgen, on April 6, 1974. Their love story was a testament to companionship, as they navigated life side by side until Dolph’s passing on March 28, 2018. Suzie’s heart was forever intertwined with his.
Throughout her vibrant life, Suzie wore many hats — devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, treasured friend and business owner. Known for her remarkable cooking and baking skills, she brought joy to countless gatherings with her signature breads, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. For many years, Suzie shared her culinary talent as the proud owner of the Biscuit House in Alden, Michigan, where every meal was served with a side of love.
In addition to her entrepreneurial spirit, Suzie found fulfillment in her roles as a bank teller at several banks and a bookkeeper at Kitchen Farms. She was a true community member, always lending a helping hand and forging lasting friendships. Beyond her professional achievements, Suzie had a zest for life; she enjoyed bowling, knitting, and nurturing her beloved vegetable garden, which would often provide for delicious canning projects.
She is survived by her three children, Carl (Trish) Schwabe, Craig (Sheila) Schwabe and Benjamin (Josephine) Ottgen; son-in-law Andy Watrous; 13 grandchildren, Neal (Samantha), Alex, Adam, Caroline (Pat), Jeremy, Gracen (Mason), Maggie, Ethan, Samantha (Darin), Kristofer, Penelope, Nikki, Brooke (Matthew) and Dakota (Melissa); 14 great-grandchildren, Hank, Braxton, Sawyer, Waylon, Birdie, Casper, Colson, Isabella, Roman, Cooper, Graham, Lincoln, Dexter and Violet; and sister Cathie McAtee.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Ralph Schwabe; her second husband, Dolph; step-daughter Tonda Watrous; grandson Zachary Schwabe; two brothers, Robert “Bob” Lessard and Charles “Butch” Lessard; and four sisters, Lucille Ferstle, Marjorie Ruppenthal, Theresa “Pepper” VanHouten and Josephine Parker.
Cremation was chosen with a memorial service at 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at Bellaire Senior Center, 308 E. Cayuga St., Bellaire, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in her memory to the Grass River Natural Area Inc., P.O. Box 231, Bellaire, MI 49615. Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.
