Wolfgang Erwin Otto, Former Hess's VP

1931 - 2022

Wolfgang was born July 25 ^th 1931 to father, Erwin Otto and mother, Erika (Simcic) Otto in Leipzig Germany. He spent the first 25 years of his life in Germany, escaping Russian occupied East Germany in 1953, with his wife, Annemarie and young son, Andreas. After staying in refugee camps & being airlifted out of West Berlin, they eventually settled in Freiburg im Breisgau. Here he worked as a window designer for Verner Bluss, a local department store. In 1957, once again, he left everything behind and took his family to America, called by the promise of freedom, prosperity and a true sense of security from the communist threat.

He arrived with his family in New York on a cold January morning, a stranger in this new land. He embraced this role enthusiastically, as he always had a wanderlust, an insatiable desire to travel and experience new cultures and places. He knew three words in English when the boat docked in Manhattan: coffee, sugar and cream, but that's all that he needed. He had the strength and confidence to know that he could find his way on these foreign shores and make a new home for himself and his family.

Sponsored by a local church in Pottstown, he and his family began their life in America. It was about as far removed from the urban lifestyle that he had been accustomed to in Germany, as one could imagine. He initially resided in Trumbauersville, then Coopersburg, and finally Center Valley, where he made his home for the last 55 years. He prospered here and his family grew with the birth of his son, Steffan and daughter, Gabrielle. Every step of the way, he adapted a little more to the American suburban lifestyle; lawn mower, barbecue, commuting and shopping center, all became a part of his vocabulary.  He loved this country and one of his proudest achievements was becoming a naturalized citizen in 1963.

Not long after arriving in America, he had an interview with Max Hess Jr., the owner of Hess Brothers Department Store. He had taken with him a portfolio of his work in Germany, and Max Hess was so impressed that he offered him a job on the spot, contingent only upon him learning more English. This was the beginning of an amazing 37 year long career, starting as window designer in 1957, and ending as Vice President of Visual Merchandising and Interior Store Design, when he retired in 1994. He achieved numerous awards and accolades along the way.

Next to his family, his career was his greatest source of pride and satisfaction. He brought to bear on it the full force of his creative energy, artistic vision and keen sense of design, and in the process transformed the "look" of Hess's. He brought many innovations, and will always be remembered for the toy soldier statues and Pip the Mouse. He left an indelible impression that has long outlived the store and is now preserved as a part of Lehigh Valley history.

He was a kind and gentle man, a loyal husband to his wife Martine of 22 years, a loving and exemplary father & father in law, a proud Opa, best friend, mentor, family historian, story teller, problem solver, friend to many, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was respected and admired, but most of all, loved.

Wolfgang will be deeply missed and lovely remembered by: his wife Martine (Hemmelgarn) Otto; his children Andreas Otto and spouse Rebecca of Allentown, Pa, Steffan Otto and spouse Laurie of Egg Harbor City, NJ, Gabrielle (Otto) Neith and spouse John of Emmaus, Pa; grandchildren Nathan Otto, Alexandra (Otto) Ingram and husband Justin, Evan Otto, Nicole Neith and fiance Michael Overberg; sister, Brunhilde Breitsameter of Sonthofen, Germany; best friends and confidants, Floyd and Jan Keim.

Wolfgang is predeceased by his loving wife of 45 years, Annemarie K. (Jackowski) Otto, and sister Helga Ulrich of Leipzig, Germany.

Contributions can be made in memory of Wolfgang to: The Baum Art School, www.baumschool.org ; Healing Through the Arts, www.htta.org ; GREY2K USA Worldwide, A Global Voice for Greyhounds, www.grey2kusa.org .

Services:  A celebration of Wolfgang's life will be held on Sat., June 11, 2022 at 12:00 Noon in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus.  Visitation 11:00 to 12:00 Noon in the funeral home.