Otto Stern

Otto Stern

NEW LEIPZIG - Otto Stern, 86, New Leipzig, passed away April 3, 2008, at Jacobson Memorial Hospital. Services will be held at 10 a.m. MDT Monday, April 7, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Leipzig, with the Rev. John Amundson officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, 10 miles north of New Leipzig, with full military honors by the Baesler-Achtenberg American Legion Post No. 211 of New Leipzig.

Serving as casketbearers will be Myron Iszler, Erling Iszler, Joyce Stern, Keith Kirsch, Kevin Kirsch and Elmer Heupel.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. MDT today at Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home, Elgin, followed by a family service at 7 p.m. MDT at the funeral home.

Otto Stern was born Oct. 14, 1921, to Christian and Katherine (Heupel) Stern on the family farm north of New Leipzig. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church north of New Leipzig. Otto attended country school near New Leipzig and worked on the family farm until he was inducted into the Army in 1942. He fought in World War II in France and Germany, where he was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Otto was united in marriage to Ida Heupel in 1945. Two years later, in 1947, Ida passed away. He worked various jobs until 1952, when he went to work for Olien Motors. On July 2, 1953, he married Leona Kirsch at Mott. In 1961, they purchased Olien Motors and operated Stern Motors until 1983, when their son purchased it.

In 1978, they purchased the local grocery store and operated Stern Jack & Jill until 1989. Otto and Leona retired and they traveled and enjoyed bus tours.

Otto was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, he served in the New Leipzig Fire Department for 27 years and as fire chief for several years, is a life member of the North Dakota Fireman's Association, served on the Fire District Board for over 20 years, and was an active member of Baesler-Achtenberg Legion Post No. 211 for over 60 years, holding several offices. Otto also belonged to New Leipzig Town and Country Boosters and Commercial Club. Of all this, his biggest joy was when he became a grandfather on May 17, 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Leona, New Leipzig; three sons, Bradley, New Leipzig, Dale (Jean), Seattle, and Douglas (Susan), Grand Forks; and one granddaughter, Katelyn, Grand Forks. Also surviving Otto are his five sisters, Esther Iszler, New Leipzig, Ella (Ed) Sauter, Bismarck, Ann (Oscar) Roth, Salem, Ore., Helen (Allen) Willnow, Keyser, Ore., and E. Christa Stern, Billings, Mont.; two sisters-in-law, Gertie Stern, Carson, and Leona Stern, Elgin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ida; five brothers, Albert, Art, Reinhold, Herbert and Ervin; one sister, Hildah; and two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Condolences to Otto's family can be sent through our website at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com.