Obituary of Otto Wilhelm Kufeldt

August 31, 1934 – Mannville, AB

June 5, 2024 – Calgary, AB

Just shy of his 90^th birthday, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Otto passed peacefully with his family by his side to see him off to finally reunite with his beloved Effie.

Otto is survived by his three cherished children, Michael (Susan), Sharon (Christopher), and Elizabeth (Kurt); and his five most favourite people of all, his grandchildren, Logan, Hunter, Olivia, Lucas, and Leyton.

From a small farm in Northern Alberta where he honed skills as an All-Star baseball player and won the Provincial Track and Field Championship, Otto found his way to Gleichen, AB. Here he would begin his long and varied career, as a farmer, banker, heavy equipment operator, and consummate salesman of real estate and automobiles. Most importantly though, he would meet and “set his cap” for Effie. And their love story would begin.

Otto settled his young family in Strathmore in 1972, where during this time he was active in the community as a Lions Club member, and a volunteer ambulance driver, and his most notable accomplishment, was his appointment as Justice of the Peace. In our household, “Here come da judge”, was often heard as Otto would grab his JP briefcase and head over to the cop shop. One stormy day when the circuit judge could not make it to Strathmore, Otto proudly took the bench and presided as the Judge over the day’s docket. We really should have given him his own gavel!

Otto’s gift and legacy to his much-loved friends are memories that have endured decades of retelling – each time bringing gales of laughter and reassurance of a life well lived.

His children will be forever grateful for and so deeply miss Otto’s infinite support, encouragement, and boundless love. While so very proud of his children, his greatest joy and source of delight were his grandchildren. So blessed are they with the extraordinary relationship each had with their grandpa.

We love you Dad and miss you more than words could ever convey – Michael, Sharon and Liz.

A Celebration of Otto’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, Elboya Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary AB) on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com or to Dementia Connections, 100, 1900 – 11th Street S.E, Calgary, AB T2G 3G2, Telephone: (403) 240-9055.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Otto’s family here.

In living memory of Otto Kufeldt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.