Obituaries

Othmar Goettel, born November 16,1946, passed away on February 14, 2024 peacefully surrounded by his family.  The youngest of three children of Daniel and Eva (Scholl), he was born in Salzburg Austria and immigrated to the United States in 1957.  Settling in Chicago he met the love of his life, Elisabeth, Nicky as he liked to refer to her, and their fairytale life together began. Theirs was a life of their own adventures.

Othmar attended Northern Illinois University.  During the years commuting to NIU from Chicago, he and Nicky would often get breakfast at The Manor in St Charles. From there they fell in love with the town and eventually settled and raised their family in the area.

Othmar had an entrepreneurial spirit and began his career in the family businesses in Chicago and eventually Goettel Motors with his father and brothers.  Even after selling the dealerships, Othmar pursued his entrepreneurship with his partnership in Elmed.  He was an ardent and hardworking individual who found joy in his work.

Above all else, Othmar loved his family.  He was a fan of everything his children and grandchildren were involved in. He was always on the sidelines or in the stands. His competitive spirit, while always in good taste, made for many humorous family discussions.  Motorsports and soccer were his passions, but later he loved whatever his grandchildren participated in.

Second only to his family, was his love of animals.  He was known around the family as the dog whisperer.  There was never a time when a dog would not gravitate to him.  This love extended to all animals.

Othmar is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elisabeth, his sons Karrsten (Kathy) and Rick (Sarah), grandchildren, Erich, Phoenix, Ryan, Londyn, Ava, Ashton, Addison and Nora and other beloved extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Eva, his brothers, Helmut and Gerhard, his nephew Robert and his adored in-laws Hans and Rosina Marx.

Visitation with friends and family will be held from 1pm-5pm, Sunday February 18th at Yurs Funeral Home of St Charles, 405 East Main Street, St Charles Illinois. A private family service will take place on Monday February 19th at 10am at Yurs with interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts or donations can be sent to Anderson Animal Shelter or your local Anti-Cruelty Society. He would appreciate that.

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