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OTTO JULIUS (O.J.) WURZBACH
Nov. 26, 1957 - May 10, 2013
Otto Julius (O.J.) Wurzbach, died on May 10, 2013 at his home in Holtville, California.
He was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on November 26, 1957 to Clinton Otto Wurzbach of Castroville, Texas and Doris Anita Frazee of Cumberland, Maryland. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada. He attended John Abbott College in Canada and completed his Bachelors at San Diego State University in 1989. He received his Masters from Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2013. He joined the US Navy in 1981 and after boot camp at Great Lakes, Michigan and Sub School in Groton, Connecticut, he was stationed in San Diego and served as a Sonar Tech aboard the USS La Jolla.
He married Ann-Marie Collins of Kingston, Jamaica, WI on December 27, 1982 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Ann-Marie joined him in San Diego upon finishing her studies at McGill University. They moved to the Imperial Valley after he left the Navy. O.J. taught Mathematics at Imperial High School from 1998 to the present.
He is survived by his wife, Ann-Marie; his son, James Robert Gregory Wurzbach; his daughter, Olivia Jean Margaret Wurzbach; his mother, Doris Wurzbach; his siblings, Margaret Frazee Wurzbach Doyle, James Clinton Wurzbach, Janet Marie Wurzbach and Gregory Luke Wurzbach; and his nieces and nephew.
O.J. was known for his good nature. His kindness, generosity and an exquisite dry wit all served him well in life and in his chosen profession as a teacher. He will be missed by his family, friends, community and students.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at St. Joseph Church in Holtville with recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at St. Joseph Church. Mass will be followed by a Celebration of Life and reception at Frank Wright Middle School in Imperial.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Imperial High School Band Boosters or to a charity of your choice. www.legacy.com/obituaries/ivpressonline
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frank Caligiuri
February 2, 2015
What a shock!!! I was just thinking about O.J. and how I could contact him. He was my
BEST FRIEND in Montreal. I was remembering all the fun times we had when we were kids.
I'll never forget the time we had a full blown mass/funeral for a bull frog we caught in the lake. Playing with his dog
"KING". The one night that O.J. wanted me to have a "sleep over", I lasted about an hour and my mom came over to bring me back home, I was homesick. The last time I saw
O.J. is when he came here to Chicago to go to boot camp at Great Lakes. He stayed over
only 1 night but it was great. It was tough
saying goodbye to him when I only got to see him for such a short time. I will never forget my 1st and ONLY best friend. This is such a SHOCK to me. To bad we could not connect and stay in touch. I will miss you
O.J. love Frank
Summer 1978, Beaconsfield, Quebec.
Claude Bertrand
July 24, 2014
Dear Ann Marie,
it is with much sadness that I learned yesterday of OJ's passing. I always kept a fond memory of both you and OJ and every now and then, I cast an eye out on the internet to see where and how you were. During those formative years back at JAC, OJ had been that more mature brother that I wished I had had, who unknownst to him, helped me as I clumsily stumbled through the beginnings of my independant adult life. I will always cherish his friendship.
Claude
Claus Hoff
May 18, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I went to school with OTTO in POINTE CLAIRE QUEBEC.
Claus Hoff
Daniel Dugan
November 7, 2013
OJ,how is it aboard the SSN Heaven up there?Hopefully they'll let me come aboard but you never know with me.Late as usual to say hello.Captain's Mast 3x for that.But,better late than never as they say.OJ time flys so in no time i'll be seeing you and all my other good friends and family that are up there doing their thing.I salute you my old mate and great friend.Be good.
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August 23, 2013
OJ and I swam together, along with his brother Greg, at Pointe Claire Swim Club. I will always remember him as the guy I couldn't beat. We were both breastrokers, he was a bit older than me, and always crushed me when we went head-to-head. Then was the nicest guy afterwards, so you couldn't be mad.
I will remember him as a great guy, filled with kindness.
My deepest condolences to the Wurzbach family on your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Peace.
Jeff Naylor
Jessica Leyba-Luebano
May 27, 2013
Mr. Wurzbach, what can you say about this wonderful man? He was truly an inspiration to those he was around. He made math enjoyable, which is very difficult to do. He will be missed by so many. God bless his family in this time.
May 20, 2013
Dear Anne Marie and Family, We are so sadden by your sudden loss. We send you our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Fondly, Ted and Mary Staiger
Michael Kalusa
May 20, 2013
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Otto's passing. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to Otto's family.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
May 20, 2013
OJ was one of my fellow sonarmen on the LaJolla. Save me a spot in line friend, we will meet again. STS2/SS Rich Cheh
May 19, 2013
I served with OJ on the La Jolla and he was a good friend. My best to Anne and kids, he was a good guy and will be missed.
Ron Woods ET1(SS), La Jolla SSN-701 Plank Owner.
Evelyn Perez
May 18, 2013
May he rest in paradise<3
The Marcus Marcus
May 18, 2013
Ann Marie, James and Olivia, Otto will be missed very much as you know. He was a special person and we are so glade we were able to know him. May peace be with you always.
Mike A
May 18, 2013
Im saddened to hear this news. Mr. Wurzbach was my favorite math teacher. He was so funny and I'm glad i got to know him.Love and much respect to his friends and family. I will greatly miss you friend.
J G
May 18, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Patricia Hernandez
May 17, 2013
Ann Marie, I am so sorry for your loss. My thouhgts and prayers are with you friend. May God give you the strength and fortitude during this difficult time.
Tim Painter
May 17, 2013
Otto was not only a fine teacher but, more importantly, a fine role model for his students. There is a main thoroughfare in San Antonio, TX, named Wurzbach Road. I am glad I had the chance to tell him how well known his family name is. See you at the math teachers meeting in heaven some day, Otto.
Daniela Estrada
May 17, 2013
Otto, you were one of those teachers that was always an inspiration and motivation to his students, but the neat thing is you felt the same about your students. I had the privilege of having you for 3 different years of high school. I'll always remember how much fun we had in your class, whether it was learning or you just joking around with us in the many voices of Otto. :) Many good memories were had in your classroom, you definitely danced the beat of your own drummer which made you such an amazing teacher and person:) you will be missed abundantly. See you soon.
Bob and Laura Fischer
May 17, 2013
Anne Marie, Jimmy and Olivia, We are so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and bring you comfort in your time of sorrow.
Ricardo Xavier Montaño Ayón
May 17, 2013
Mr. Wurzbach is a person with much candor and integrity to make a lasting impression on people. As his student, I can honestly say he has left the world better than he found it. Peace and Tranquility for his family and friends through the hard times.
My sincerest condolences.
May 17, 2013
Ann Marie,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your faith keep you strong through this difficult time. Bless you and your family. With deepest sympathy,
Renita Schaffner
Ricardo Xavier Montaño Ayon
May 17, 2013
Otto Wurzbach is a person with great integrity to leave a positive and lasting impression on anyone. A genuine soul that has impacted his students, and made the world better than when he came into it. Peace and tranquility for his family and friends through the hard times. My favorite math teacher by far.
May 17, 2013
Ann-Marie and family, I am so very sorry for your loss may God Bless you in your time of sorrow.
Debi Agnew
May 16, 2013
James and Olivia,
I am sorry about your loss. Your dad was my classmate at SDSU while we were getting our teaching credential and we had a blast. I will remember his sense of humor and I hope you cherish it as well.
Mr. Rosas
May 16, 2013
Our prayers and thoughts are with you,
Ann-Marie, Jimmy and Olivia.
May 16, 2013
Dearest Anne-Marie,
I am in a complete state of shock to learn of OJ's passing. I have such fond memories of the times we all spent together. He was always so kind, generous, warm and loving to everyone around him
You were the light of his life from the very beginning. May the memories of the good times that you spent together help you through this very sad time and in the future.
Lots of love & friendship always,
Penny Marrettt
Carmel Edwards
May 16, 2013
Prayers for peace, comfort, and strength for all of you at this difficult time.
Love, Carmel, Dan, Matthew, and Stephen Edwards
May 16, 2013
Our prayers go out to you and your family. We pray that the Lord gives you the peace and comfort that you need to get through this time. My family remembers O.J. and the time he spent helping out with the band. Chastyn wants to thank O.J. for all of the help he gave her in math class. God Bless You O.J. and family.
The Perez Family
Sergio, Tammie, Chastyn, and Alexis
Frances Gomez
May 16, 2013
Ann-Marie, James & Olivia our most sincere and deepest condolences to you. May God Bless and give you strength to cope with this great loss.
Dr.Strong & Staff
Barbara Fusi
May 16, 2013
Bless your heart Ann Marie, I'm so sorry. God bless your family.
Cheryl Livsey
May 16, 2013
Ann Marie, James and Olivia,
My heart goes out to you during this time. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers
Luis Pitones
May 16, 2013
Mr. Wurzbach,
You will be deeply missed. I had the honor of being in your class for two years, and I can say they where great! You always had a big heart to help your students pass and succeed. You where an all around person. Who will missed tremendously. "Make me Proud" as you said. You've made me proud. See later Mr. Wurzbach.
Chris and Jenn Fowlkes
May 16, 2013
His smile, the drawings, and of course the sarcasm... all will be missed. Sincerest condolences.
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