Otto Lingertat

May 11, 1932 – October 1, 2021

Otto entered his new life in eternity peacefully with his children at his side.

Predeceased by his loving wife Pauline (nee Blaser) father Gustav Lingertaitus (Nartai, Marijampole, Lithuania) and Mother Emilie Lingertaitus (nee Zabletski, Kalvarija, Lithuania), sister Jenny Borchert (husband Arthur) Toronto, brother John Lingertat (Germany). Survived by his sister Hilda Weber (Germany) and brother Edwin Lingertat (partner Rosie) of Toronto; children Ruth Berger and husband Bruce (Marmora), Karen Walsh and husband John (Oakville), John Lingertat and wife Jennifer (Peterborough); 7 grandchildren - Jacqueline Johnson (husband Dave), Michelle Smith (husband Tracey), Rachel Coens-Galbraith (husband Pete), Andrea Pitre (husband Manny), Paul, Oliver and Sebastian Lingertat; 7 great grandchildren - Trace & Sydney Johnson, Patience, Grace & Haven Smith, Ava & Molly Galbraith.

Otto will be remembered as a strong and determined husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who devoted his life toward his family’s betterment. Otto’s life is best described as one of work to achieve a better life. Otto was born in the region of Marijampole, Lithuania and grew up on the family farm until they were forced to flee in 1941 as a result of the events of World War II. Traveling on foot and by train inside cattle cars, the family relocated as refugees to eastern Poland. A brief glimpse of hope saw the family return to their generational farming homestead in Lithuania only to flee once again in 1943 for the final time, returning to Poland where they were housed in wartime barracks. One year later, Otto’s uncle Gustav Zabletski, while searching for family, was successful in finding the displaced Lingertat’s; through repatriation and reunification efforts and support, the young parents and 5 children relocated to Oldenburg, Germany.

Otto attended Radio School, learning valuable technological and electrical skills of that era, which became the basis for his future skilled trade employment in Canada. A love of cameras and photography, along with music and the accordion, developed alongside. Otto’s older sister Jenny, through the sponsorship of the Lithuanian Lutheran Church group, was the first to immigrate to Canada, moving to Montreal, Quebec; Otto was also sponsored and followed shortly thereafter.

In search of employment opportunities and with less than $100 in his pocket and a suitcase, Otto moved to Toronto where he found work and continued his training and trade as a skilled machinist and tool & die maker. During this time, he also completed studies in professional photography through Ryerson College. In 1954, Otto met Pauline through the Lutheran Youth group they both attended through their Church. A smitten Otto sent a touching Christmas card to Pauline which became a small spark that eventually grew into a lifelong partnership. On August 6, 1955, they created a marriage which lasted over 65 years.

Their shared love of the outdoors eventually led them to the shores of Crowe Lake, where they purchased the land which became a lasting legacy now known as Bayview Park. Otto engaged in employment at the local Marmora Bethlehem Steel open pit mining operation as a tool and die machinist and as a result, the young family moved to Marmora. After the mine closed in 1978, Otto started his own machine shop operating out of the garage of their home, which eventually ended to focus on campground operations full time until retirement.

Otto’s deep love and enjoyment of the outdoors included fishing, moose, and deer hunting. Family was regaled with countless stories to be repeated over many meals. Their love of the outdoors led to the purchase of their much loved ‘300’ deer hunting camp. Spending time at the ‘300’ in their latter years came to be a source of deep enjoyment for both Otto and Pauline. Lake and ice fishing were both passions Otto enjoyed for as long as he was able; trout fishing became the final challenge until he hung his fishing rods up and packed away the tackle boxes for the final time. Countless moose and venison roasts graced the family table throughout the hunting years, complimented by pickerel and springtime crappies.

A lifetime of hard work characterizes Otto well. Otto and Pauline each arrived separately from different war-torn European countries as sponsored immigrants. With virtually no resources, they both found their way to Toronto, met, and fell in love. They shared a common Christian faith and desire to make a better life in their new country for themselves and their children. What they achieved during their lives is now a lasting testimony of love, a lifetime of hard work, and commitment to family.

Family was always the underpinning theme in Otto’s thoughts and goals. To create a better life for their children, which then extended to grandchildren and great grandchildren, was a deep heartfelt commitment Otto and Pauline shared. Otto’s kind heart, generous soul, deep wisdom, and depth of common sense and fairness will always be treasured with the goal of passing the same qualities and characteristics to the generations which follow.

The family wishes to express their deep and heartfelt thankfulness and gratitude for the amazing and caring staff at Fairhaven Nursing Home in Peterborough where both Otto and Pauline enjoyed their final years. A private funeral service will be held; a future memorial service will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that any memorial donations be made to Fairhaven Nursing Home (https://www.fairhavenltc.com/fairhaven-foundation/ways-to-give/)