Ottokar “Otto” Telke passed on to his Heavenly Home on Friday, August 19, 2016, at the age of 89 years, beloved husband of Anna Telke of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory his children and grandchildren; Louise (Glenn) Deering and their children, Denise and Derek (Carlene); Deborah Telke and her children, Kimberley (Allen) Gould, Devon (Chad) Patience, and Jeneal (Mathew) Vargo; Owen (Leanne) Telke and their children, Ryan (Melissa), Kaitlin (Justin) Hall and Kyle; step-children, Brenda (Don) Chapman and their children, Jocelynn and Janessa (Ryan) Humphreys; Brian (Pam Steele) Krause; Sherri (Burt) Skuban and their children, Christopher (Kait) and Sheldon; ten great grandchildren; his brothers, Herfried (Margaret) Telke and Erwin (Olive) Telke as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Gottfried and Lydia Telke and two sons, Keith and Brian. Otto was born in Essen, Germany and immigrated to Canada, with his parents and newborn brother, Herfried, when he was 3 years old. The family settled in the Shackelton, Saskatchewan area where the family welcomed another brother, Erwin. Otto went off to work on the railroad and in the coal mines at the age of 16, later moving to Medicine Hat. He worked at Dominion Glass in Redcliff for 25 years then bought Andy’s Auction Mart. In those years Otto was blessed with his children: Keith, Louise, Deborah, Owen and the adoption of Brian Telke. He then moved to Brooks and opened Otto’s Furniture Village with his new family additions, wife, Anna and step-children: Brenda, Brian and Sherri Krause. After closing the store in 1989, Otto & Anna then opened Telke’s Mini Storage. Retirement brought them back to Medicine Hat and condo living until Otto’s passing. Otto and Anna enjoyed a wonderful life of extensive world travels, a condo in Hawaii, and hosting big family Christmases. The grandchildren will cherish the tractor rides and hours spent playing their favorite card game, aptly named, ‘Grandpa’s game’. Otto was deeply immersed in his life with the Lutheran Church and was a proud, long time member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League. He was also a long time member of Duchess Lutheran Church while living in Brooks and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church during his years in Medicine Hat. Otto loved to reminisce, and had a great memory for telling stories of the old days. He was liked by everyone who met him and he always had a kind word and a smile. He will be remembered for his love of the Lord, his life and his family. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the church on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the St. Paul Lutheran Church (515 Sprague Way SE) on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Carl Bogda officiating. Interment will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada 270 Lawrence Ave, Kitchener, Ontario, N2M 1Y4, World Vision Canada, 19 Skyview Springs Manor NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A9, or the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Otto Telke, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 2V6. Please call 1-866-526-2214 for further information.
