Otto Wondrasch
Sunday, July 12, 1936
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Age:
77 years old
Visitation
Date: Tuesday July 30, 2013
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Wednesday July 31, 2013
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Redeemer Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Wednesday July 31, 2013
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Redeemer Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oak Hill Cemetery
Sunday, July 12, 1936
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Age:
77 years old
Sunday, July 12, 1936
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Age:
77 years old
Otto Wondrasch
The funeral for Otto Junior Wondrasch will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester, with the Pastor James Heining officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Viola. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church.
Mr. Wondrasch, 77, of Rochester, MN, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 27th, 2013 after passing away at his residence.
Otto was born July 12, 1936 at home in Viola township to Otto George and Emma Wondrasch. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1954. On June 10, 1955 he married Barbara Jean Balcome at Ft. Leonard in Missouri. Otto served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. The couple lived in multiple locations in Minnesota but spent the majority of their time in Viola and Rochester, MN.
Otto worked for 35 years with the MN Department of Transportation, retiring in 1998 as physical plant supervisor. He also worked for many years on the Olmsted County Sheriff’s department as a reserve officer and most recently with Twin City Security. Otto and Barb became members of Redeemer in 1981 where he was very active as a member, serving youth as a Sunday school teacher, camp counselor and in multiple leadership positions.
Survivors include his wife, two daughters, Denise (Scott) Nigon of Esko, MN, Sheila (Randy) Staver of Rochester, MN, two sons, Duane (Sue) and Steve (Pat) of Rochester; fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by brothers Reuben and Leroy, a daughter-in-law, Peggy and a daughter, Karen.
Otto loved anything mechanical and especially old Ford cars as well as camping and spending time with family.
Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Otto Wondrasch has received the following condolences.
Dear Barb and family, I carpooled with Otto and Merv Marter from Viola many years ago when we lived there for a couple of years. I have many fond memories of our conversations while in the car enroute to work and back. I was sad to hear of Otto's passing. Please know that he had an impact on my life and I have fond memories of that time. Dave and I send our condolences to your entire family.
Carol and Dave Thouin
Very sorry for your loss. I knew Otto, I liked Otto and I respected Otto. He will be sorely missed.
Barb, Steve, Pat and Family...so sorry to hear of Otto's passing...what a shock! I ejoyed working with Otto at MnDOT as I was his secretary for many years. He always had a smile and was a hard worker. I remember I was asked by Otto and Barb to coordinate their 50th Wedding Anniversary Party at Redeemer Lutheran Church which turned out fabulous with many memories. They also lived in the neighborhood...3-4 block from us. I remember how he spoke very highly of his grandchildren. I'll never forget one incident he told me he had bought all the grandchildren a white Teddy Bear and Grandma and Grandpa had their Christmas Picture taken with all the grandkids in dressed in red holding their white teddy bears...how special! RIP
My sincere condolences for your family's loss. I did not know Otto as well as those who worked with or for him but, I do remember him being a kind and humorous man. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My condolences to the Wondrasch family-
I had Otto for a Sunday school teacher many years ago at Redeemer and always remembered his kind and gentle spirit. He was always so friendly and was easy to talk to even as a young person. All these years later I still remembered some of the stories he told about being part of the Sheriff's Dept. I pray that God carries you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
James McCormick and Family
Steve and Family, I would like to give you our condolences and sympathy. He was a good Guy. I'm still keeping cool from a big cooling fan He got me years ago.I think of him every time I use it. Best wishes. Don and Doug Oswald
Dear Barb and Family:
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of your husband and father. I always loved Otto's sense of humor!
May the cherished memories of Otto assist you in the days that lay ahead. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Dear Barb & Family,
My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this time of your loss. Otto was such a good man in so many ways and we all are better individuals for sharing his life with us.
May the memories of the good times carry you all through these tough days. His legacy lives on through all of us who knew him!
God's Peace,
Darrel Christenson
Phoenix, AZ
Barb & Family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Harold Barrows
To the family of Otto,
We would like to express our sincere sympathy to your family. We worked with Otto on many different jobs when we worked for MN DOT. He was a great man to work for.
Lyle & Ordell Thompson
Peterson, MN
To the extended Family of Otto Wondrasch,
My sincere condolences go out to you. I have many years of fond memories spent at the home in Viola and share times of sleep overs with Denise. Otto always had such a gentle and kind spirit about him. Even in uniform he was a gentle bear. There is a lot of love in your family and warm memories to surround you. I hope you find peace in this time of sorrow.
Steve and Family,
I was very sad to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed working with him over the years.
He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Clay Gore
Denise and family;
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember when I would stay with you Denise and the church functions at Ours Saviors Luthern church. Otto was always very nice to my family. You will be in my prayers.
Otto rocked Alanah to sleep when she was about 6 months old. She didn't let many people hold her then, let alone get comfortable enough to go to sleep. But, she couldn't resist his gentle spirit. Thinking of you Barb.
Barb and family; I am so sorry to hear of Otto's death. May God comfort and bring you closer.
There will be triumph in tragedy, goodness from grief. Romans 8:28
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. R.I.P. "Uncle" Otto.
You will be sorrowfully missed Otto. Sending my deepest condolence to Barb and family. May peace shine upon you and your family.
Barb and Family,
Our deepest sympathy! It is hard to put into words the friendship we have had since Sue and I met Otto and you. The trips we have taken together, the birthday parties, graduations and building projects will never be forgotten.
I know Otto and I had long talk about Ford vs. Chevrolet's.
May the strength of God be with you as these difficult days lie ahead, but remember all the good times because they are most important!
To The Family of Otto:
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember Otto teaching sunday school in Eyota at Our Saviors and also a wonderful friend to me and my family. You will forever be in remembered in my heart Otto.
Steve,
I would like to express my condolences and sympathy to you and the rest of Otto's family. I probably will not make it to the visitation or funeral but I will always carry in my mind a picture of Otto as a fair person, one that did what he believed was right and was not afraid to B.S. a little bit.
Sincerly,
Bob Platt
I was sad to hear of Otto,s passing and wish comfort to the family thru this trying time.I worked as the plumber under Otto from 1990 until His retirement in 1998.He was a great Boss and I learned a lot from Him, as he was very knowledgable in all facets of Facilities.I will miss His sense of humor and radiant smile.Otto basically saved my DOT carrer as I had some personal problems He helped work me thru in my early years.Thanx Otto I will never forget.
My family and I would like to express our condolences to Barb and Steve and the rest of Ottos' family. I remember him as a person with a strong work ethic, who gave his all to doing his job and keeping our facilities in top notch condition. He always a wry sense of humor and was fun to be around. May god bless you all and know he is in a better place.
We offer our deepest condolences for the family of Otto. He is remembered as an incredable individual that offered so much to others, and the church. He was very insirering in our Christ Care group. Our three boy's were greatly inspired by him, in all he did with the youth at Redeemer. Our prays go to his family and friends.
We are sorry we are out of town and will not be able to be there for the service--we will be there in thought and prayer.
Paul and Sandy Collopy