Otto Carl Schultz was born at home on October 21, 1916 by Fish Lake near Parkers Prairie, MN. He returned to his savior on September 21, 2015. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lorraine; parents, William Carl and Minna (Froemming) Schultz, brother, Willmar and sister-in-law, Lillian. He was baptized in Parkers Prairie and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley and completed eight years of country school in district 28. In 1941 he married his sweetheart Lorraine Dittberner on June 4, 1941. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2011.
He was a dedicated and hard-working farmer in Leaf Valley until he retired in 1978 and moved to Alexandria. In 2006 the couple moved to Windmill Ponds. In retirement he continued to help his sons on their farms planting and driving tractor until he was 90. He was a charter member of both the Leaf Valley Fire Department and Leaf Valley Sportsman’s Club. He was an officer on the Leaf Valley Creamery Board and a District 28 School Board member/officer.
His faith was strong and woven into all parts of his life. He served on the Ebenezer Church Council and was active in the men’s club and choir. After moving to Alexandria, he was a member of Zion Lutheran Men’s Club and was also active in the church choir. At all family gatherings his voice would finish the table prayer saying, “oh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good and His mercy endures forever.”
Otto had a beautiful voice and a love of music, dancing and singing. His tenor voice rang out in the Vikingland Barbershop Chordsmen and the Old Timers Barbershop Quartet in concert, competitively and at the MN State Fair. He sang solos at many weddings and funerals.
Otto and Lorraine were avid travelers and he always had a camera close by whether in the car, truck or tractor to capture the beauty he saw in life. He enjoyed ice fishing and hunting, especially pheasants in South Dakota. Both Otto and Lorraine loved playing cards. “Schultz 13” was a favorite. Otto had a passion for reading throughout his life. They spent many pleasant days enjoying family and friends at Lake Miltona.
Otto had a beautiful soul and a joyous spirit. He was always smiling and enjoying life. His strength, optimism and faith will live on in his children, Wayne (Lori) of Watertown, SD, Tom (Barb) of Garfield, Kathleen Hagemeister (Patrick Jude) of St. Cloud, and Rodney (Lori) of Alexandria; grandchildren, Steve Schultz (Mary), Bill Schultz (Angie), Lisa Schultz (Mike), Kim Londo (Kevin), Bonna McFarland (Chris), Carla Theusch (Jason), Kaylene Bromenshenkel (Jason), Leah Thul (Mike), Josh Hagemeister (Sara Lessman), Ross Hagemeister (Kelly), Jed Hagemeister (Sandy), Angie Johnson (Al), Heather Good (Charley), Sheri Tessier (Rich), 34 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
As Otto would say, “Don’t say goodbye, just so long and I’ll see you again.”
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, 9:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Burial will be at Ebenezer Cemetery in Leaf Valley.