Otto Carl Hildebrandt

OTTO CARL HILDEBRANDT, 84, native of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2016. Otto was preceded in death by his parents, August and Elizabeth (née Schwartz) Hildebrandt; and brothers Oliver Hildebrandt and Gus Hildebrandt. He is survived by his son, Gary Hildebrandt of Aurora.

Funeral service to be held at 10 am on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary and Cemetery, 6601 S Colorado Boulevard, Centennial, Colorado 80121; visitation to begin at 9:30 am with committal service to follow the funeral at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery at 11:00 am.

Otto Carl Hildebrandt was born on October 28th, 1931 in Denver, Colorado.

“A great man leaves others at a loss after he is gone.”

He was a grounded man who lived life in the most honest way he knew how. Otto remained true to his values. He was a person with an incredibly strong work ethic. He loved his country, and was a true friend to the people fortunate to have known him.

Otto’s country was his purpose in life. I wonder if he didn’t consider that his vote for the upcoming election could now not be cast or he perhaps would have fought longer to stay just to make his vote count! Ultimately though, I think it was his last gift to Gary as he knew that he would have countered Gary’s vote. He was a very proud father of Gary and often bragged to me about him. He had married a few times but was Married to Myriam Lindeman for 15 years. This marriage resulted in the birth of Gary. It all started when his step brother, Lenny Scrogan was at city park with his mother, Myriam where Otto and Myriam met. Lenny had been horseback riding and unfortunately fell off his horse. Myriam’s concern for her son resulted in her informing Lenny that she would be” taking him to the hospital to get a shot.” Well, Lenny said “ the fear of a shot was real and palpable.” He therefore took off running to his Grandmother’s house nearby. The panicky Myriam, who was frantically searching for her lost son, was noticed by Otto who came to her rescue and helped search the park and ultimately calmed her down. I want to thank you for these shenanigans, Lenny, because we all now have the blessings of Gary in our life.

The friendship between Otto continued with Myriam even after their divorce. They would have garage sales with the many clothes Myriam would get cheap in Florida and sell them at his house since the busy street brought a lot of shoppers. The sweater Otto is wearing today was just purchased by Myriam and given to him last week. He looks sharp wearing it.

Kenny Scrogan was another son of Myriam’s whom Otto helped raise along with Lenny. Kenny has many found appreciations and memories of Otto trying at every chance he could to instill work ethics and to teach Kenny his skill in masonry. Otto was a master ” stone and brick” Masonry. Kenny was a young man and was more into science fiction than learning masonry, but wishes he had now.

Otto loved brick laying and specialized in fireplaces. He built a majestic fireplace in his home which is captured in the pictures here today and as part of his obituary and celebration of his life. Otto and I often joked that one day when I would build my dream home in the country, that he would build myself several amazing fireplaces for Gary and I to enjoy.

Gary takes after Otto’s love for fireplaces and together they would partake in daily fires. Gary and Otto would sit mesmerized by the wood burning stove daily while he lived with Gary for the last three years and was a special part of their relationship.

Gary and Otto also had many traditions. They spent most all their birthdays together going to gamble on their special day. When Otto could no longer go, he would encourage Gary and I to keep this tradition going which we have as we could. Gary and Otto loved going gambling together and even went to Vegas. They went skiing, threw footballs together and loved playing horseshoes. One of the most special traditions Gary and Otto shared was that they would always try to watch the Bronco games together every Sunday. They loved watching a lot of sports together, especially wrestling and of course the Broncos. They both would be so animated during the Bronco games and the many discussions afterwards. I was fortunate to have met Otto during a Sunday Bronco game. I was so nervous meeting him after some warnings, but he was a kind to me and gave loving advice. He accepted my children as his grandchildren and always made an effort with them.

Whenever Gary and I would bring “Papa” his weekly groceries, Otto would typically have a gift of some sort he had in his home that he wanted to pass down to them. My daughter, Hannah, who is in a wheelchair, didn’t have access into his home. matter how much it hurt Otto physically, he would come outside in order to spend time with her. He would remind Gary to pass on their work ethics to my son, Kyle, which Gary has done. He was good to my children and to me. He grew many Aloe Vera plants that he would excitedly give me and I still have them today. My funniest memory was Otto sharing his homemade moonshine (aged wine) with me so excitedly. He made me drink it in front of him! I tried as best as I could, but it was wickedly strong. I mean really, really potent! Oh, when I drank it he just busted a gut laughing at me trying to be polite and drink it. He made a lot for me and would hide it just for me and give it to me while Gary was adjusting the flags.

Otto worked hard and it showed in his home, too. He won many awards from Aurora for his impeachable impeccable yard, gardens and many appreciated his impeccable detail in making sure his American flag and Marine flag hung just right. It was expected of Gary and of me to adjust it each and every time we went over.

I appreciated Otto’s care for me. Even when “Papa’s” dementia was at its worst, when I would come over to visit him, he would perk right up, call me by name and tell me to “marry Gary!!” Then he would flirt as he did with all the ladies. It was amazing to me that he always recognized me. He loved when I would bring special foods for him. He also loved all the wonderful meals Gary would make for him. He would remind Gary and me to “add the garlic!” He loved his garlic and put it in everything. He ate with purpose and was faithful about all his supplements. Kenny Scrogan said his pork roast with the added garlic was a favorite meal he enjoyed that Otto made for him growing up. Growing up during the depression only having boiled potatoes to eat, gave him an appreciation for cooking. Gary remembers Kenny enjoying Otto’s spaghetti in his bedroom growing up as well.

Otto truly enjoyed spending time with Gary till the very last moment. He passed peacefully in the great care of Gary who took care of “Papa” 24/7 without a break for 36 months.

Otto not only worked with a sense of purpose, but lived life that way as well. He had many devastating health issues that came up over the years but fought fiercely through them all with such tenacity it left those of us who loved and cared for him in awe. He took great pride in his health and work that he did. He loved flowers and especially white roses which is why we have them to share with you today in honor of Otto.

He lived his American dream. Serving in the military from 1950-1953. He would say often Simper fi. He always would boast about being a Marine. He served in the Korean war and was a very dedicated soldier advancing so quickly that everyone couldn’t help but notice. His brother, Gus, signed him up for service when Otto was just 17. His brothers “Olly” Oliver and Gus were proud of their younger brother, Otto.

Otto loved his country, and couldn't imagine living his life anywhere else. He understood what an honor and privilege it was to live in this great country of ours, and just how many sacrificed their lives to make it happen. A sense of country was simply part of being human to Otto. His, his admiration for the military, and just how important they are to our everyday way of life as US citizens. He was a loyal patriot.

I will always have fond memories and never forget his great laugh sense of humor, passion for the military, his perseverance through his health struggles, and his love of good food - especially garlic and jalapenos.

When we think of Otto, we will remember and reflect on how he expressed genuine concern and respect for every single person he met. Otto will be greatly missed for the good things he did. He will live on in each one of us. Those that knew him will carry on his legacy in our hearts and in our actions, and in the relationships we have with others, in our work ethic, and how we, in turn, measure our own lives.