Othmar “Ottie” Mathias, 91

Othmar “Ottie” Mathias, age 91, passed away at 4:38 p.m. Friday (February 1, 2013) in Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper.

Ottie was born on September 15, 1921 in Martin County to Joseph and Barbara (Prechtel) Mathias.  He married Florentine Seger on May 4, 1946 at St. Raphaels in Dubois, IN.

He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Irene Persohn, three sisters, Ardella Norris, Genevia Riney, and Doris Burger, and his three brothers Robert, Ernie, and Victor.

Surviving are his daughter Mrs. Gary (Charlene) Sermersheim of Jasper, and three sons, Dennis of Pittsboro, N.C, Larry of Charlotte N.C, and Paul of Macon, MS, two brothers, Donald and Delmar both of Loogootee, IN, eleven grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Mr. Mathias was retired from Armstrong Implement Store in Jasper.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed playing cards.  Ottie served in the U.S. Army during World War II and helped liberate prisoners from the Dachau Concentration Camp. Story here 

Over the last decade Ottie had shared these military experiences with local schools and universities to help preserve these historical events, and sacrifices made by those soldiers who never returned.

Ottie was a member of the VFW, VFW Rifle Squad, American Legion, DAV, K of C, Precious Blood Men’s Club, St. Vincent DePaul, Fairview Cemetery Committee, Dubois County Museum, Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., Ireland Sportsman Club, and Precious Blood Catholic Church.

Funeral services for Othmar “Ottie” Mathias will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday (February 5, 2013) at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Jasper, with entombment to follow in the Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum.  The V.F.W. Post #673 will conduct military graveside rites.

Friends may call from 12:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday (February 4, 2013) at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Precious Blood Catholic Church, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences can be made at www.becherkluesner.com.