Otto Laurence Scriba Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Otto Laurence Scriba

July 27, 1930 - February 12, 2017

Obituary For Otto Laurence Scriba

Otto was born July 27, 1930 to Otto and Martha Rauchfuss in Heart Valley, AB. His father wasn’t cut out for life as a homesteader and returned to Germany when Otto was four. Two years later, his mother married Julius Scriba, who said gaining his wife and a son in the bargain was one of the highlights of his life. Four more children joined the family: Rosemarie, Katy, Fritz, and Eddie. Otto was very close with his family and treasured those relationships.

Otto spent his childhood developing a deep and lifelong love for the outdoors. He hunted anything that could be eaten and in his later years reflected remorsefully over all the creatures that lost their lives for the sake of the Scriba stewpot or smokehouse.

By his own admission, Otto was a poor student and hated being confined to a classroom. Education was important to his parents though, and even if it meant persuading him with the broom, his Mom made sure he went. Otto attended a one-room schoolhouse in Heart Valley, high school in Spirit River, and agriculture training at the college in Vermillion.

When Otto returned from college, he married Alice Bennett. The couple had six children: Bob, Judy, Donna, Linda, David, and Jim, but the marriage was not meant to be and they went their separate ways.

Once Otto completed school, he went to work and didn’t stop until he hauled his last load of freight at age 84. He hauled almost anything that can be put in a truck. His family calculates Otto drove over 4 million miles, most of those on the Alaska Highway. Otto also farmed the same land his parents and grandparents broke as homesteaders. He had a deep attachment to the land and found satisfaction in the work, but driving was always his first love.

Otto’s greatest treasure was his relationship with Mary which spanned more than 55 years. They had four children: Larry, Andy, Cathy, and Karen and together built a home, a life, blended and created a family, shared many adventures, and left a wonderful legacy. Otto passed away peacefully at their home in Wanham, February 12, 2017.

Otto is survived by his wife Mary; children: Bob (Fay) Scriba, Judy (Arnold) Lunn, Donna (Larry) Deschene, Linda Wozniak, David (Linda) Renner, Jim Renner, Larry (Angela) Scriba, Andy Scriba (Beth Erickson), Cathy (Phillip) Tubb, and Karen (Greg) Higgs; 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; siblings Rosemarie (Alfred) Baum, Kathy Snydmiller, Fred (Denise) Scriba, and Ed (JoAnn) Scriba; many nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

A Celebration of Life was held February 17, 2017 at the COCO Hall in Wanham, AB. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to their friends and neighbours for their overwhelming love and support during this difficult time, as well as Dr. Kitagawa and the wonderful nurses with Home Care for their compassionate care.

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

Pelletier Alfred & Claudette

We're so sorry to read of Otto having passed away. Our deepest sympathy to you, Mary, and your family. We enjoyed meeting you both while here in Yuma, Az. We are still here until at least mid March. Life will be so different for you now. But you have your memories, your family, your friends, and the Lord to help you through the lonelier days. May they help bring joy to your days.
June 24, 2021

Dufour Gerard & Eugenie

So sorry to hear about the loss of Otto. We did not hear soon enough to attend the funeral. I always considered Otto a great friend.
June 24, 2021

Stengele Alexander

Dear Mary, our thoughts are with you and all your family. Otto always will be in our memories and hearts. When mum tells about her great time with Ferdi in Canada in 1993, she always highlights their truck ride with Otto up to the north.My single hunting adventure til today I made with Otto in 1979, when he took me along for a hunting tour looking for partriges, rabbits and black bears. For all of us great memories! In Love Alexander, Sigrid, Sabine & families
June 24, 2021

Stengele Sigrid

Liebe Mary, unser allerherzlichstes Beileid zum Tod von Otto. Wir sind tief erschÃ¼ttert. Gerne denke ich noch an die schÃ¶nen Stunden, die wir bei Euch erleben durften. Sei umarmt Love Sigrid und Familie
June 24, 2021

Mandel Bev

I can't think of Heart Valley without pleasant memories of Otto and Mary and kids. You were our good friends and neighbors. Our prayers and sympathies are with you. We would have loved to share the day with you. Love to all, Andy & Bev (Reimer) Mandel.
June 24, 2021

Aley Mavis

My sincere and deepest condolences to Mary, all the kids and their spouses, grandchildren etc. May you find comfort in the prayers being sent your way, and have fond memories of times spent with Otto.
June 24, 2021

Lunn Brenda

So sorry for your loss. It is hard to say goodbye to our loved ones. May the many years of happy memories get you through this hard time. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
June 24, 2021

Peebles Scott & Lynnette

Sending our thoughts, prayers and hugs to all the family during this time. I always remember rubbing Otttos head and him calling me "Squirt". His smile lit up he room. Keep your memories close to your heart!! Love Scott and Lynnette
June 24, 2021

VOTH Ken and Nancy

It was a privilege to know Otto, and we will miss him. I hope you receive comfort from knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Hugs and take care of each other. Love Ken and Nancy
June 24, 2021

Roth Loretta

My heart is saddened and mourns with you in your loss of this man who meant so much to so many.
June 24, 2021

Snydmiller Joan

With a heavy heart, and sincere sympathy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you all. Love Joan
June 24, 2021

Neufeld Lena

my condolences Mary, so sad to her the news...RIP Otto
June 24, 2021

Nooy Lynette

You are such an amazing family. I am so thankful I was able to be involved with your family during Otto's final days on earth. It was a long haul, but you helped make his wish of dying at home come true. I'm proud of all of you! Please remember to take care of yourselves now. You are in my thoughts and I pray that you will feel God's arms holding you tight on Friday. Lynette
June 24, 2021

blake terry

you know it is with my deepest sympathy that Otto will not only be missing from your life but our too. I miss him and hope he enjoys the warm weather and the crops to take care of. their is a lot from the neighborhood up there to keep him company. God Bless you and the family
June 24, 2021

Gordichuk Judith

My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary and all your family. Otto was a great man, loved camping with you both, and all the years in Yuma together. He will be greatly missed. See you when I get home. Until then take care and love you lots , Judy
June 24, 2021

Hart Kerry & John

It is never easy to say goodbye, hugs to you all. Our deepest sympathies on Otto's passing.
June 24, 2021

Haglund Dennis and Judy

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Otto. He was a very nice man and we enjoyed visiting him whether down here in Yuma at Peace country Days or when we ran into him at Wanham or Grande Prairie. Dennis and Judy

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