Otto Steinhauser

Otto Steinhauser March 31st, 1925 - December 28th, 2014 Otto Carl Steinhauser passed away on Sunday, December 28th, 2014 at the age of 89, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Flatonia. Otto is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen, and their six children: Michael (Catherine), Chester (Suki), Randy "RJ" (the late Susan), Terri (Tom), Dale (Jamie), and Jeff (Stephanie). He leaves behind twelve loving grandchildren: Heather (Eric), Brendan (Randan), Annie, Nick, Megan (Lucas), Katie, Karl, Ted, Rachel, Alex, Lillieanne, and Chip; and two great-grandchildren: Karsyn and Cameron; with another great-grandson on the way. Otto was the youngest and the last remaining of his nine siblings. Otto Steinhauser was born on March 31st, 1925 in Flatonia to Otto and Annie Steinhauser. His early years of schooling took place at String Prairie down the road from where he grew up. He attended and graduated from Flatonia High School in 1942, where he played football, basketball, track, and was on the debate team. Otto volunteered for the United States Army during World War Two, training at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Hood. He was a proud member of the 96th Infantry Division, also known as the "Deadeyes." After spending time in California and Hawaii, Otto shipped out to the Pacific Theater in early 1945. He fought bravely at the Battle of Okinawa, which was the final and bloodiest battle of the Pacific Theater. Otto then spent time in the Philippines preparing for an invasion of mainland Japan, but that was prevented by the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan, which ended the war. After his military service, Otto returned to Flatonia and married his sweetheart Helen Frietsch of High Hill on June 17th, 1951. Otto started a bulldozing business, working hard to provide for his growing family. He also maintained a six-hundred acre ranch throughout his life, working cattle and raising chickens on his family's land. Over the years, the couple welcomed six children into their family. His children remember him as a strong, yet gentle father, who encouraged them to pursue their own dreams. He taught them the values of hard work, honesty, and community service. Otto and Helen sacrificed to ensure that their children had the opportunity to pursue education and learning throughout their lives. Otto loved being on the O-4 Ranch, his ancestral home six miles northwest of Flatonia. He could usually be found outside checking on his chickens, fixing fences, and collecting firewood. He loved driving his Grandkids through the pasture, and into the brush, to check on the cattle. Otto was a pillar of the community that he loved. He was a founder of both Czhilispiel and Crime Stoppers, and was an active leader in the Flatonia American Legion, the Arnim Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Schulenburg VFW. He was an avid sports fan, and made countless football, baseball, basketball, and softball games over the years. Otto and Helen supported the Flatonia Bulldogs with pride, especially when one of their children or grandchildren were involved. Otto will be remembered as a member of the Greatest Generation, dedicated to his family, hometown, state, and country. He will be missed, but will never be forgotten by his family, nor the community that he so dearly loved. A funeral was held for Otto Steinhauser in Flatonia on December 31st. Reverend Eddie Winkler officiated the ceremony, and Judge Dan Beck gave the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Flatonia American Legion, the E.A. Arnim Museum or Crime Stoppers.
Visitation Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Funeral Mass Wednesday, December 31, 2014