Obit: Schmidtke, Otto A. (1940 - 2011)

Contact:stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org  

Surnames: Schmidtke, Davis, Kammerer, Helms, Meitzel, Brown, Baker, Degenhardt, Harvey, Adler

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 08/29/2011

Schmidtke, Otto A. (22 SEP 1940 - 25 AUG 2011)

Otto Algene Schmidtke, 70, of Stratford, passed away on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011 at The House of The Dove in Marshfield with his wife Linda at his side and under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011 at Zion United Methodist Church in Marshfield. The Rev. Mike Carlson will officiate. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011 at Zion United Methodist Church in Marshfield and again from 10 a.m. until time of service on Friday at the church. Following the funeral service military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #54 of Marshfield. A private committal service will be held at Brooklawn Memorial Gardens at a later date.

He was born Sept. 22, 1940 in the town of York in Clark County, son of the late Otto and Flossie (Davis) Schmidtke. Following his graduation from Loyal High School, he entered the United States Army, proudly served his country from 1960-1963, with two of those years served in Germany.

On July 2, 1966, Otto was united in marriage to the former Linda Kammerer at United Methodist Church in Chili. 

Otto along with his wife Linda, owned and operated Schmidtke's Furnace Duct Cleaning. Otto was a longtime member of Zion United Methodist Church. Other organizations included Whitetails Unlimited, AWCC, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, member of Marshfield American Legion Post 54, the American Hunting Club, Bakerville Snow Rovers, the Marshfield Eagles Club Aerie #624, Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Stratford Chamber of Commerce, and the American Motorcycle Association. Hobbies included hunting, motorcycling, snowmobiling, camping, and golf. Otto loved following NASCAR and attended countless races at several race tracks.

Otto was a very devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Since 1990, he has been instrumental in collecting monies to support the Special Olympics thru the Bakerville Snowmobile Club's annual ride. This group of kids was special to Otto. 

Survivors include his loving wife Linda of Stratford, two daughters, Vicki (John) Helms, Cody, Wyo.; Keri (Lennie) Meitzel, Billings, Mont.; and a son: Kevin (Kendra) Schmidtke, Stratford; seven grandchildren, Sean, Shane, Luke, Troy, Paul, Karissa, and Kody. Two step-grandchildren, Kelsey and Tanner. He is further survived by three sisters, Lola Brown, LuAnn Baker and Bonnie (Harvey) Degenhardt along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Norita Adler.

The family would like to thank Pastor Mike and Anola Becker for their care and support, their church family, friends of the benefit and House of The Dove, "what a caring and lovely group of caregivers."

In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted in Otto's memory to the Marshfield Special Olympics.

Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Otto's family.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.