Stanley "Stan" Otto

Stan was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan on April 6, 1934.  In a family of four boys, he was the third son born to parents Alex & Christina Otto.

In 1948 the Otto family headed to Alberta and bought a farm just outside of Lacombe across the road from the Moore farm. He was 14 when he arrived in Lacombe and attended the Nelson School and graduated in 1952 from the Lacombe High School

This turned out to be a consequential move as 2 of the Otto boys ended up marrying 2 of the Moore girls.  He and Barbara Moore were married Feb 11,1956.  They had two daughters Karen & Lori.

Stan was a well respected farmer and loved the farming life. He was involved in a mixed farming operation with his Dad and brother (Alex Otto & Sons) and then eventually started  Otto Brothers Feedlot and Otto Brothers Fertilizer with his two brothers in the early 70’s. When the operation disbanded in 1982 Barb and Stan went on to enjoy many years of retirement. And a good retirement it was.

Winters were spent at the curling rink – and a definite highlight of his life was being on the winning team of the Lacombe Farmers Bonspiel in 2009. Stan & Barb enjoyed camping which evolved from a tent, to a tent trailer, to a motorhome and finally their fifth wheel which they spent many weeks in every summer!  In 1993 they headed to Alaska with a group of friends.  

Stan loved to golf and had never swung a club before he retired but soon became hooked on the game.  They started out at Spruce Ridge Golf Course where they met many friends and shared good times for many years. They then became members at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club where Stan golfed in the Senior men’s league, as well as several times a week outside of league.  

Stan was always interested in wood work and built many projects.  Major ones including kitchen cabinets, pig barn, motorhome garage and a coffee shed for a neighbour.

Stan was a very social and friendly person. He learned to play Bridge and enjoyed getting together at their friends’ homes to play a game or two.  Many hours were spent playing various card games at Kozy Korner and having coffee at A&W daily and many shopping trips to Red Deer with Barb.

There was nothing more important or that made Stan happier than his family and being actively involved with the grandkids. He absolutely loved kids of all ages  His grandkids and great grandkids were always a topic he loved to talk about, visit with and hear about what they were up to.   He said over and over again to us at long term care that he had the best family and always had the most visitors – mostly his devoted wife Barb who went everyday with cookies, coffee and desserts! 

In 2014 Stan & Barb moved into their house in Lacombe where they hosted many family and friends.  Stan spent his last 5 years in Lacombe Long Term Care but he was still the social guy who would look forward to seeing familiar faces in the lobby or outside – Stan was always happy to chat and reminisce with old friends and neighbors. 

Stan celebrated his 90th birthday on April 6th surrounded by family and was honored to be able to celebrate their 68th Wedding Anniversary on February 11th.

Stan is survived by his devoted and loving wife Barbara, daughters Karen (Greg) Duke, Lori (John) Hellofs, grandchildren Krista (Trevor) Topham, Janelle Duke, Cheri (Ryan) Hudema, Brad Hellofs, Katelyn Hellofs, great grandchildren Austin and Braelyn Topham, Lennon, Tucker and Vaida Hudema.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family invites you to attend Stan’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 8th commencing with a short program at 1:00 p.m. Drop in for a coffee, dessert and visit until 4 pm at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (North Centennial Hall).   

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