Otto Symanczyk

Otto Johann Symanczyk passed peacefully on August 13th, 2024 at the age of 93 at Shepherd’s Care Millwoods. Otto is survived by his sons Alan (Sylvia) and Walter (Kimberley), his grandchildren Steven (Megan), Lindsay (Steven), Bryan (Nicole), Derek (Hayley), Michael, Victoria, Sophie and Erik, his great grandchildren (Ashton, Ethan, Jackson, and Brynnleigh), and brothers Ernest, Allen and George.

Otto was predeceased by his wife Waltraut (‘Wally’) Marie Wilhalmine (nee Gerdts) on September 10th, 2022, his daughters Erica (David) and Valerie, his son-in-law Robert Cooper, and his brothers Helmut and Ewald (‘Tony’).

Otto was born in Okliny, Poland with family roots originating from Konigsberg, East Prussia. He was the first child to be born to Adolph and Helene Symanczyk. He grew up on a farm in Poland before immigrating to Canada in 1948 with his parents, four brothers (Tony, Helmut, Ernest and Allen) and his grandmother Rosine. The family eventually settled in the Rimbey-Bentley area. Otto’s youngest brother George was born in Rimbey, Alberta.

Otto was very handy and mechanically inclined. He spent long days helping on the family farm. In 1955 he met the love of his life Wally at a Lutheran Church Tea. Wally went down to the basement to get some water for a friend where she met Otto, who later asked her to see a movie. Otto and Waltraut were married on August 25th, 1956 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rimbey. They raised their family in the Ottewell area of Edmonton before settling in Millwoods. Together they built a great life grounded in love, hard work and resilience.

Otto was a strong, gentle, kindhearted man who was proud of his family, and thankful for what he had in life. Otto worked for CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) in Forshee, Alberta, INCO (International Nickel Company) in Sudbury, Ontario and eventually Premier Steel Mills Ltd. in Edmonton, which became AltaSteel Ltd. Otto worked at AltaSteel until his retirement. His hands-on approach and willingness to lend a helping hand endeared him to colleagues and friends alike.

May Otto’s memory continue to inspire kindness and love in all of us. “Old Time, Otto.”

The family would like to thank the staff at Shepherd’s Care Millwoods and Devonshire Village for their compassionate care. Donations in memoriam can be made to Parkinson Canada.

As per Otto’s wishes, there will be a service at Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium (9810 - 34 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6L1) on Wednesday, September 4th at 11:00 AM. There will be a light lunch served, and time to visit and pay respects to the family.

To leave condolences please visit the website at www.HainstockEdmonton.com.