OTTO TRACHSEL

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OTTO TRACHSEL Peacefully in his sleep, Otto passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2005 at Rosewood Lodge at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his wife Blanche Turcotte in 1996 to whom he was married for 52 years and whom he loved dearly and tenderly. Also his father Adolf and mother Emma and his four brothers, Frederich, Alfred, Arnold and Ewald. He grieved the loss of several of Blanche's brothers and sisters in the last few years and the loss of many cousins from the Ammeter family that he was very fond of. He is survived by his daughter Emma (Lawrie), Erron and Vanessa; son Raymond (Cindy), Amelia, Heather and Ryan; son Roger (Judy) and Matthew; daughter Sandra (Ken), Bradley and Rebecca. He is also survived by Blanche's sisters and brothers and many Ammeter cousins. Otto was born July 9, 1914 to Swiss parents, Adolf Trachsel and Anna Emma (Ammeter) in Michaelovka, Russia. Otto worked as a young lad at the Swiss cheese farm and factory in Georgia that the family operated. He came to Canada with his extended family in 1929 and lived at Starbuck until his family moved to a mixed farm at Warren in 1937. In Canada, during the Depression years, he worked on farms - threshing gangs in the fall and bush camps during the winter in several provinces. He met and married the true love of his life - Blanche in 1944. After he married, he continued to work with his brothers on a mixed farm with grain, beef, dairy cows, chickens and turkeys. He built a new house with the help of his family and neighbours and moved there in 1961 to continue farming. Otto was a very generous, kind and sensitive man. He would give his time, energy and love to help his family and others. His energy was tireless. Up at dawn and working till dusk. He always made time in between to talk and share with those who came to visit. Friends and neighbours were always welcome in his home. He was very proud and conscious of having good health and physical strength and agility. He knew the importance of exercise. He was very charming and enjoyed poetry and song. He would often be heard singing a Wilf Carter song or reciting a poem. He loved a good game of cribbage or Joss with a glass of his homemade wine. His family were his pride and joy. He loved them dearly. We hold many special memories of family gatherings and times shared. His unique sense of humour and the twinkle in his eye will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Pallbearers are sons, Raymond and Roger; sons-in-law, Lawrie Hogg, Ken Van Hulle and grandsons, Matthew, Erron, Ryan and Bradley. Honorary pallbearers are his relatives, neighbours and friends. The family would like to thank the dear people who visited him, the Home Care workers that helped him over the years, the Adult Day Program coordinators and the staff at Rosewood Lodge for their patience and care for Otto during his good times and difficult times. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Rosewood Lodge activity program or Meadow Lea United Church Cemetery Fund. Funeral service will be held on Monday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. in Meadow Lea Community Hall. Interment to follow in Meadow Lea Cemetery. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2005