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BORN
1927
DIED
2017
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Josef Otmar Obituary
Josef, age 83, noted cabinetmaker, escaped communism in Czechoslovakia and pursued liberty on three continents before finding the American Dream in Centerville, Ohio. He passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2017. Otmar was born July 25, 1927, in Nova Ves nad Popelkou, Czechoslovakia. As a young man seeking freedom from communism, he left home on May 14, 1949, with a few books in a knapsack and began an odyssey that took him from Czechoslovakia, through Germany, Australia, Canada, and finally to the United States. In 1960, he purchased a corner lot in Montgomery, Ohio, where he founded Furniture by Otmar. In 1980, he opened a second store in Centerville, Ohio, where he continued to manufacture custom furniture that was purchased by loyal customers from around the globe who appreciated his meticulous old world craftsmanship. In appreciation of the freedom he found in his adopted country, patriot Otmar displayed a two-story high American flag in his store. Until four weeks ago, he was still going to the workshop, doing what he loved. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Alberta Otmar. Together they realized the culmination of his dreams by building his business in Washington Township. His brother Milan of the Czech Republic predeceased him. Survivors include brothers Jiri (Marie) Otmar of Springfield, VA, and Zdenek (Lidka) Otmar of Nova Ves nad Popelkou, the Czech Republic, and sister-in-law Anci Otmar of the Czech Republic; sons Josef Otmar V, Peter (Lynn) Otmar, Wim (Giselle) Schipper of Cincinnati, OH; Milo Otmar, of San Diego, CA, and Bob (Jennifer) Schipper of Lake Barrington, IL; daughters Eve Otmar of Williamsburg, VA, Elenka Otmar of Sydney, Australia, and Helen (Tony) Fields of Temecula, CA, and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren in the United States, the Czech Republic, and Australia. His first wife, Eve Ormiston Otmar, of Sydney, Australia. The family will receive friends from 10-12pm on Friday, June 16, 2017 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd, Kettering. A funeral service will immediately follow visitation. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Josef Otmar
6 Entries
Mati Marshak
October 14, 2018
Before leaving the USA we bought an oval folding table 6 chairs a tea cart & a desk all still beautiful in great condition &very much used!!!
Peggy Tojo
June 23, 2017
In 1968 my husband nod and I met Mr. Otmar and he made living room furniture for us. The round walnut coffee table with the tile inlaid top is still our prized possession, admired by all who see it. We will never forget Mr. Otmar's kindness to us and his amazing talent in designing and making furniture. Our condolences to all the family of this good man.
Matthew Spitzig
June 20, 2017
We have two beautiful sofa tables because of his artistry. The tables and his memory will endure in our family forever.
Nathan Otmar
June 16, 2017
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my grandfather Josef Otmar. The story of his life should serve as inspiration to us all to live as he lived, With passion and joy. I'm sorry I cannot be with you all during this difficult time. Sending my love and support from Australia.
Nathan Otmar
June 16, 2017
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 119:7
Karen Lang Smith
June 15, 2017
I was so sad to hear that Mr. Otmar had died. I am fortunate enough to have bought a few pieces of his beautiful furniture over the years. Whenever, I was in his shop, he always spoke to me with such kindness and told me stories of life in Europe during the war and how grateful he was to have come to the United States. Mr. Otmar was a wonderful human being and will be greatly missed. My condolences to Mrs. Otmar and his entire family.
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Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Kettering2100 E. Stroop Rd, Kettering, OH 45429
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