Remembering Otto Lehmann: A Life Celebrated
Otto Lehmann, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on March 11, 2022, at the age of 77.
Born on July 24,1944,Otto leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is deeply mourned by his devoted wife, Sharon, and their sons: Andy, karl (Shauna), and Adam (Stephanie Gaudet). His grandchildren, Hadrian and Lucie, will forever hold their grandfather’s love in their hearts. Otto is also survived by his brothers, Gus (Lea), Erwin (Linda), and Paul (DonnaLee), as well as his sisters, Hilde (Albert) Tataryn and Elsie Lehmann. He will be fondly remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A gathering to honor Otto’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 7:00 PM at Funk’s Funeral home in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. this will be an opportunity for family and friends to share stories,offer condolences,and celebrate Otto’s remarkable life.
The Funeral service will take place the following day,Wednesday,March 16,2022,at 1:30 PM at the Seventh day Adventist church,located at 1400-4th Avenue in Rosthern. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed on the Rosthern SDA Church Facebook Page. A link to the Facebook page will be available on Otto’s obituary page at www.funksfuneralhome.ca.
Following the service, Otto will be laid to rest at the Lehmann Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Otto’s memory to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, located at 1616 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64018. This museum preserves the history and legacy of African American baseball,a passion Otto held dear.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Funk’s Funeral Home in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. They can be reached at (306) 232-5245.
To honor Otto’s memory,you may also choose to send flowers to the family or plant a tree in his name through the Tribute Store.
Our deepest condolences go out to Otto’s family and friends during this challenging time.May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration.
Remembering Otto Lehmann: A Life Well Played
welcome back, sports fans! Today, we have a vrey special guest joining us – Jackie Robinson, Hall of Fame baseball legend adn Civil Rights icon. Jackie, thanks so much for being here.
Jackie Robinson: The pleasure is all mine.
Today, we’re remembering the life of Otto Lehmann, a man who left a powerful legacy not just in his community, but also in his passion for baseball, specifically for the Negro Leagues.Otto, according to his obituary, was a devoted advocate for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Jackie, given your groundbreaking role in desegregating Major League Baseball, what are your thoughts on the importance of preserving the history of the Negro Leagues??
Jackie Robinson: Well, the Negro Leagues are woven into the very fabric of American baseball history. They were a testament to the talent, resilience, and determination of Black athletes who were denied the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. The Negro Leagues provided a platform for some of the greatest players the game has ever seen, players who paved the way for me and others to break down barriers in the Major Leagues. Preserving their legacy is vital, not just for baseball, but for our understanding of the American story.
It’s inspiring to see individuals like Otto Lehmann recognizing the importance of these institutions. It’s a reminder that the fight for equality is an ongoing process, and we must actively support efforts to keep these stories alive.
Agreed, Jackie, and Otto’s request for donations to the museum in lieu of flowers is a beautiful gesture. What do you think it says about him as a person?
Jackie Robinson: It speaks volumes about his character, his understanding of history, and his commitment to social justice.
Otto’s obituary highlights his deep love for his family.
He was clearly a man who appreciated the importance of community and connection.
Jackie Robinson: Absolutely. Family and community are foundational pillars of any strong society, and it’s evident that these values held immense meaning for Otto. It’s a legacy worth celebrating.
I see a lot of parallels between Otto’s dedication to family and the bonds forged within the Negro Leagues. Those teams were frequently enough family units, supporting and uplifting each other on and off the field.
Jackie Robinson: You’re absolutely right. The Negro Leagues were more than just a baseball league; they were a haven, a community where Black players found support and camaraderie during a time of intense racial segregation. those bonds were unbreakable.
This brings up an significant point for our readers.How do they think community and legacy are impactful in athletics and in pursuing social change? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Jackie Robinson: I couldn’t agree more. Keeping these conversations going is crucial for ensuring that we learn from the past and continue to champion equality for all.
