Otti Neitzke

Otti Neitzke, 79, Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Otti was born in Graz, Austria on November 11, 1929 to Otto andAloisiaSalfellner, as the baby sister of Erika,Aloisia, and older brother, Karl. Her sister, Aloisia, died at the age of nine from pneumonia. The three remaining siblings lost their parents at a very young age and had to fend for themselves in Europe during WWII. Karl was conscripted into the German Navy, which left Erika and Otti to take care of each other. Otti and her sister, Erika, believed that an angel always watched over them as they crossed over the bridge of troubled waters. They looked to Psalm 91:11 to guide their path, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Otti and Erika loved sharing many stories of their exploits in Austria during the depression and WWII frequently telling everyone who would listen about their brave attempts to watch out for each other and avoid danger. In 1948, Otti and her sister came to America as young wives of U.S. servicemen. She lived in Detroit, Michigan; Wheeling, Illinois; and Mobile, Alabama before coming to Daytona Beach, Florida. Otti, always being an independent woman, was a creative entrepreneur. Her business interests ranged from owning and operating motels, lounges and restaurants, to dabbling in real estate and investments, as well as, later in life becoming a Construction Superintendent for Allen Green Construction Company in Port Orange. She loved traveling, bowling and games of chance, in addition to spending time with her family and friends. Otti was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Aloisia; and her brother, Karl. In addition, she was proud to have married, Cpl. Perry Shepherd, of the U.S. Army, who was tragically taken from her during the Korean Conflict. She was also married to her husband of many years, Howard Neitzke, who predeceased her in 1977. After which she shared 30 wonderful years with Louis O. Stokes who has also gone ahead of her, to survey eternal life for the members of the "Great Generation". Left to cherish their memories of her are her son, Eric K. Neitzke (Kathryn); grandchildren, Kyle, Blake, and Blaire; her sister, Erika K. Somogyi; niece, Monica Jablonski; and her children, Sabrina, Peter, Krystal and Michael; nephew, Gary Meinke (Deanna) and nephew, Enrico Devoty (Zee). Otti's family would like to thank the staff of Halifax Hospital Medical Center, as well as Vitas Hospice and Dr. Luther St. James, all of whom took wonderful care of her. In lieu of other remembrances, the family would like you to honor Otti Neitzke and celebrate her life, by buying a flower for someone special in your life. Arrangements are under the care and trust of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach.